Lab Assignment 1 - Voltaic Piles at the Dollar Store
This Lab will be based on the video "How To Make a Three Penny Battery"
Please post the answers to the questions below with at least one photo to this tumblr tagged with #lab1 and #due20140325
If you have a blog elsewhere and want to use that site to host your full post, post a link to that blog post on this tumblr. The link for posting is http://www.tumblr.com/blog/pcceltn130
If unable to create a tumblr login, email your lab post to the professor. (emails listed on the about page)
Bring your work to class on Tuesday.
STEPS
Acquire 3 to 10 pennies
Acquire 3 to 10 zinc washers that are the same size or smaller than the pennies
Acquire tinfoil
Acquire electrical tape or non-conductive duct tape (most aren't)
Acquire a small low power device from either around your house, the dollar store, thrift store, drugstore or toy district, etc. Tip: Do not buy something that requires batteries larger than a AA unless you have a lot of pennies and washers
Helpful, but not required: acquire an LED for testing. (Radio Shack if none available from PCC lab)
Acquire small amount of wire for making leads to your device chosen in step 5.
Acquire cardboard
Cut the cardboard into circles that match the size of of the penny. Soak the cardboard in white, vinegar, cola, lemon juice or other acid
Build the battery like the second attempt in the video - i.e. with 3 cells.
Use a voltmeter to test how much voltage you are getting
Add up the battery voltage required for the device from step 5.
While the device is on, use an ammeter to determine it's current draw. If this proves to be too difficult, estimate based on battery type.
Create a second battery that is capable of powering the device.
QUESTIONS:
What is your voltage reading from 3 cells. Is the voltage you were getting out of your battery the same or different than what Grant Thompson got?
If it is different why do you think that is?
BONUS: Try a different acid. Is the voltage different?
How many batteries of what type does your device need? How many volts is that?
How much current does your device need to run?
Were you able to power the device? How many cells did it take? Did you have to make any cells in parallel or were you able to make it work all in series?
If you weren't able to power your device, what were the symptoms? Did you just get nothing? Did it flare on and then die out? What do you think happened?