5E40.60 Cells and Batteries: SImple Battery

PIRA 5E40.60 - Cells and Batteries: Simple battery

Photo Shows the Apparatus Used at the University of Texas at Austin

Instructions / Notes:

Copper (+) and zinc (-) plates are suspended in a solution containing H₂S0₄ to form a simple battery.
Only 125 ml of diluted sulfuric acid in an Erenmeyer flask is provided to limit spills.
Prior to performing the demo, keep the acid solution in the stoppered flask until.
The sulfuric acid solution used by the Demo Office is a 5% solution, hence the voltaic cell produces less than 1 volt.

DEMO STAFF: Cu and Zn plates must be sanded clean before each demonstration.
In addition to the Voltaic cell, the 125 ml flask of diluted sulfuric acid should rest on top of some folded paper towels to limit any spills.
The voltmeter needs to rest on top of an overhead projector for class viewing. (Use a cut out poster board to block unwanted light.)
This demo uses the voltmeter's 3 volt terminal. - The other end of the black wire goes to the zinc terminal.
Safety Note: When making an acid solution, #1 wear eye protection and #2 add H₂SO₄ into the water slowly.
Safety Note: Adding water into concentrated H₂SO₄ will cause the acid to explode.
Safety Note: The acid solution can cause chemical burns and eat holes through clothing.