How To Build A Clorox Bleach Battery

Batteries can be constructed using common household materials. It's all a matter of chemistry: When acids are present in a solution, ions are produced. When two dissimilar metals are introduced into the solution, an electric current forms between them, producing electricity. Create a bleach battery the next time you need a science fair project.

Step 1

Fill a plastic or other nonmetallic cup about 2/3 to 3/4 full with tap water. Add the following: 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of vinegar and about 1 teaspoon of household bleach (Clorox Bleach works well).

Step 2

Place a pencil or small dowel rod on the rim of the glass so that it makes a "bridge" that extends over the top of the cup.

Step 3

Take two 12- to 18-inch pieces of insulated wire (20-gauge works well) and use wire strippers to remove about 1 inch of insulation from both ends of the wires.

Step 4

Take one wire and wrap the bare end around the head end of a nail. Wrap the wire around the pencil so that the nail is suspended in the bleach solution.

Step 5

Wrap the second wire onto a strip of aluminum foil. Then wrap the wire around the pencil so that the foil strip is suspended in the bleach solution.

Step 6

Your battery is complete. To measure the voltage output, connect the wire ends to a multimeter. The output will be low, but in some cases, you may be able to power a small device with this battery or a series of interconnected batteries.