How to Make Food Batteries

Holiday lights can be lit by using a lemon

Lemons, limes and grapefruits are wonderful power sources for the human body. They give people energy to complete tasks that they might have before them. However, due to the acidity level in their juices, they can also be a source of energy for a light bulb or a digital watch. You can demonstrate the power of a piece of fruit by hooking them up to some Christmas lights.

Things You'll Need

• Large lemon, grapefruit or orange
• 2-inch copper nail or screw
• 2-inch zinc nail or screw
• Knife
• Holiday lights
• Alligator clips

Instructions

1. Roll the fruit on the table, gently. You want to start the juices running without rupturing the skin.

2. Place the zinc and copper nail or screw about 2 inches apart in the fruit, do not go all the way through the fruit. It is important that the nails or screws do not touch.

3. Remove about 1 inch of the insulation from the leads of the lights. Connect the leads to the nails or the screws using alligator clips. As you connect the second lead the lights will light up.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a potato instead of the citrus fruits.

• You can use a digital watch instead of the holiday lights.

References

• MadSci Network: Edible/Inedible Experiments Archive
• Science Fair Projects Home: How To Make A Potato Battery, Tips For Potato Battery Science Fair Project