Can someone explain how the lemon lights up the light bulb ? What role does the copper wire and pennies play ? And any suggestions for making this experiment a success for kids ? My daughter is trying to find more detailed info and hasn't had much luck on the net. Thank you.
2007-03-04 02:57:11 · 2 answers · asked by misfit 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Electricity passes though acidic media. It can go through several metals too, but not all. Copper is good for such home-experiments.
Lemon contains citric acid, a weak organic one. It's what provides a chain for the transport of electrons and makes electricity flow.
2007-03-04 03:08:07 · answer #1 · answered by akilashiva 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Google "half cell reactions". This will give more information for your daughter.
In an acidic medium. some metals gain electrons and others are electron donors. When these two dissimilar metals are in contact, either touching or connected through wires to a light, clock, etc, a current is generated and the end-user is powered by the simple battery.
The same thing happens in everyday life: Aluminum wheels in contact with steel lug bolts, in the presence of salt water, will corrode and weaken (galvanic decay). In watercraft running in the ocean, its necessary to rinse them in fresh water to prolong the life of the propeller, engine, motormounts, etc.
In home wiring, aluminum and copper wire should never be connected together. In home plumbing, copper and galvanized pipes in direct contact can corrode, causing a leak.
This is an interesting topic, easily understood, with lots of practical applications. Good luck.
2007-03-04 04:26:00 · answer #2 · answered by davidosterberg1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋