How to Connect Galvanic Cells
A galvanic cell contains an internal voltage potential produced by two half-cells containing various chemicals. This voltage potential means that electrons will travel between the two half-cells if they are connected by a conductive material. These flowing electrons can be used to power devices, like light-bulbs or radios. Connecting a galvanic cell to the device you would like it to power is simple to do. You can increase the voltage potential or capacity of galvanic cells by connecting them together in series or in parallel.
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Instructions
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Connecting a Galvanic Cell to a Device to Be Powered
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1
Identify your galvanic cell's cathode and anode. The anode is where the electrons are produced and is usually labeled with a negative (-) sign. The cathode is the electrode that will attract the electrons and is usually labeled with a positive (+) sign.
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2
Connect one end of a copper wire to the anode of your galvanic cell.
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3
Run the copper through the device to which you want to connect the galvanic cell. If the device is a light bulb for example, connect a wire from the cell's anode to one of the bulb's terminals, and another wire from the cell's cathode to the other terminal on the bulb.
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4
Connect the other end of the wire to your galvanic cell's cathode. When this is done, electrons will start flowing through the wire and your device will be powered.
Connecting Galvanic Cells in Series
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Gather the cells that you wish to connect in series. Connecting them in series will create an additive effect for the total voltage potential. For instance, two 9-volt batteries connected in series will create 18 volts.
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Run a copper wire from the anode of one cell to the cathode of the next. Repeat this step for all the cells that you wish to connect together.
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Run wire from the cathode of the first cell in series and the anode of the last cell in series to the object that you wish to power.
Connecting Galvanic Cells in Parallel
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Gather the cells that you wish to connect in parallel. Connecting them in parallel will create an additive effect for the amount of current the bank of cells can supply. This will enable them to supply power to your device for a longer period of time or to operate a device that requires more power (measured in watts), but at the same voltage as if you were using one cell.
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9
Run a copper wire from the cathode of one cell to the cathode of the next. Repeat this procedure for anodes until all of your cells are connected.
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10
Run a wire from the cathode and anode of the first cell to the object that you want to power.
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Tips & Warnings
Always take precautions when working with electricity.
References
- Photo Credit battery image by Aditia Patria Warman from Fotolia.com
