Potato Battery Driven LED

So, if you looked at my profile you would see that I like physics.  When the challenge for “Potatoes” I just knew that I need to do a project that highlighted the lowly “Potato Battery”.  So here is how to make a Potato Battery and have it light an LED light.

Step 1:

Supplies:
Potatoes
Galvanized nails
Shinny copper pennies
Wires with alligator clips on each end (2+ per battery)
LED bulb
Multi meter
Knife
Cutting board

Comments

[picturelights1]

A potato battery is a type of electrochemical cell. An electrochemical cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. In the potato battery, there is a transfer of electrons between the zinc coating the galvanized nail that will be inserted into the potato and the copper wire that will be inserted another part of the potato.

[craftknowitall]

Yes it can. Look at this Instructable to learn more: http://www.instructables.com/id/Salt-Water-Powered-Paper-Lights/.  Thanks for commenting.

[D5quar3]

If the battery works on the electrolyte Potassium, is it possible to make this work with salt water? Would NaCl be electrolytic enough?

[MakingWorld]

science comes from the life.

[marklundquist]

Are your potatos rechargeable:)

[scoochmaroo]

Woman, you never cease to amaze me!

[craftknowitall]

I keep coming back to this comment, it really tickles my fancy. :)

[craftknowitall]

When I first learned that the Challenge was potatoes, I knew that I will have to do something wild and wonderful, which meant, not my "potato soup or salad" recipes. Glad you like it.