How do I Make a 9 Volt Battery with a Lemon?

Making a battery out of a lemon is a fun way to learn and teach others how batteries work.

Although it may sound strange, It is possible to make a battery using a lemon. This is a common project in many science lessons and text books, and can be a fun and intriguing way to learn how batteries work. It is not that hard to create a battery using a lemon, but because of the absurdity of it it is not the most obvious, straightforward task to carry out.

Things You'll Need

• Knife
• Fresh, juicy lemon
• Galvanized nail
• Penny

Instructions

1. Cut a small slit into one side of the lemon using a knife. Insert a penny into the slot.

2. Push a galvanized nail into the opposite end of the lemon so that the nail and the penny are facing each other but not touching. This lemon will now work as a battery, emitting a very small amount of electricity; the coin acts as the "+" terminal and the nail as the "-."

3. Repeat this process with other lemons and connect them up with metal wires between the "+" and "-" on each lemon. Once you have connected about 4 lemons you should have enough power to light a small LED light.

Tips & Warnings

• The quality of the copper and zinc can reduce the power of your battery. Instead, try using copper wire or other copper objects to substitute for the, usually low copper based, coin.

• Do not allow the nail and the coin to touch; in this case the battery won't work.

• Always be careful when using knifes.

• Remember that you are dealing with electricity here, no matter how small an amount. Ensure that you take the same care you would when dealing with any other electrical equipment.

References

• Hila: Lemon Battery