Although it seems to be a strange concept, many fruits are capable of generating electricity. With the acids in these fruits acting as electrolytes, metals placed into the fruit can serve as electrodes, creating electrical current. This current is low enough not to pose any significant danger, yet can be safely measured by elementary school students. Measuring and comparing the voltage potentials of various fruits is an ideal science fair experiment for any child interested in the magic of energy.
- Various fruits
- Voltmeter
- Copper wire
- Zinc-coated nails
- Wirecutters
- Sandpaper
Form a hypothesis prior to the test about which fruit will create the greatest voltage. Consider attempting this experiment with other items, such as a glass of orange juice. Compare the voltages of each fruit to a standard battery
Cut the copper wire into 3-inch lengths. Sand the ends of the copper wire and the zinc-coated nail.
Insert the copper wire and nail into a piece of fruit. The wire and nail should be at least 1-inch away from each other.
Turn on the voltmeter. Connect the red lead to the copper wire and connect the black lead to the nail.
Write down the voltage displayed on the voltmeter. Repeat the experiment with a different fruit and collect the results of each fruit in a chart.
Things You'll Need
Tips
References
Tips
- Form a hypothesis prior to the test about which fruit will create the greatest voltage. Consider attempting this experiment with other items, such as a glass of orange juice. Compare the voltages of each fruit to a standard battery
About the Author
Bryan Stokes II has been a professional writer since 2006. He has written book reviews for publications such as "Coldfront Magazine" and "The Bloomsbury Review." Stokes received a Master of Arts in English literature from Penn State University, during which he taught an introductory English composition course.
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