Using a potato to power a small lightbulb demonstrates the principles of conductivity and how chemical energy converts to electrical energy. Inserting zinc nails and pennies into a potato, and connecting them to a small flashlight battery creates a simple circuit that can transfer approximately 1.5 volts.
- Utility knife
- One large potato
- Zinc-coated nails
- Pennies
- 16-gauge wire
- Small flashlight bulb
Cut a large potato in half. Cut a slit large enough to insert a penny, in both halves of the potato. Insert a zinc nail in both halves of the potato, opposite the penny. The electrolytes contained in the flesh of the potato will allow electrons to pass from the zinc to the copper.
Wrap two pennies in copper wire, and place one in each half of the potato. Wrap the wire from one of the pennies around the zinc nail, in the other half of the potato. Wrap the third piece of wire around the other zinc nail.
Touch the remaining ends of the wires -- trailing the penny and the nail -- to the base of the lightbulb. Do not touch the two wires together. The potato will power the bulb for one to two minutes. After a short time, the electrodes inserted in the potato undergo a chemical reaction that diminishes the flow of electrons, halting the transfer of power to the bulb.
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About the Author
A.J. Andrews' work has appeared in Food and Wine, Fricote and "BBC Good Food." He lives in Europe where he bakes with wild yeast, milks goats for cheese and prepares for the Court of Master Sommeliers level II exam. Andrews received formal training at Le Cordon Bleu.
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