Science Project: Making a Lemon Battery

Lemon batteries offer a simple view of what goes on inside of a battery.

Creating a lemon battery is a fun, hands-on way to learn about the way electricity moves through batteries. By simply using two metal conductors, you will be able to harness the power of a voltaic battery, or one in which chemical energy is transformed into electrical current. Although the lemon will not produce enough electricity to power any electrical components, you will be able to feel the current on your tongue when you touch it to both of the lemon battery's terminals simultaneously.

Things You'll Need

• Lemon
• 18-gauge copper wire
• Wire clippers
• Soapy water
• 2-inch galvanized steel nail
• 2 heavy books

Instructions

1. Wash the galvanized nail in warm, soapy water to clean and disinfect the surface. Cut a 2-inch length of copper wire and give this a quick rinse in the soapy water as well. Dry both pieces of metal thoroughly.

2. Lay the lemon on a table and gently apply pressure while rolling it along the table's surface; be careful not to break the skin. This will help release the juices inside.

3. Place the lemon on the table and place a book on either side of it to ensure it will not roll away.

4. Push the galvanized steel nail about 1 inch into the top of the lemon. Insert the copper wire into the lemon parallel to the steel nail, about 1/2 inch away from it.

5. Wet your tongue with a small amount of saliva. Pick up your lemon battery and position your tongue so that it is touching both of the electrical terminals at the same time. You will feel a subtle tingling sensation on your tongue between the two points. This is a small electrical current generated by the two pieces of metal reacting with the acidity in the lemon, creating a very weak battery.

References

• Energy Quest: Lemon Power Science Project
• Quantum Balancing: Make Your Own Lemon Battery