This potato battery experiment is a fun way to attract classrooms. It almost feels like a magic trick. Especially if you start by surprise the science behind science! Find out how to carry out your experiment and fill out the form on this page to get a free recording sheet.
How do potato battery experiments work?
We’ve all heard of electrodes and wires being put into potatoes to generate electricity. But how is this magic trick actually maintained scientifically? You can see that potatoes don’t generate electricity on their own. Electricity comes from chemical reactions that occur at metal electrodes in the acidic environment of potatoes. Potatoes act as a medium for reactions, allowing the flow of electrons, the essence of current.
What do potato battery experiments teach?
Potato Battery Experiments teach some important principles about electricity, chemistry and energy conversion in a fun format. It could also trigger conversations about renewable energy sources.
Are there any experimental videos of potato batteries?
Necessary materials
To perform a potato battery experiment, you need to:
2 potatoes 2 galvanized screws 2 penny 1 voltage meter 1 copper wire knife (optional, to make small cut)
Free recording sheets are also useful. Please fill out the form on this page to obtain it.
Potato Battery Experiment Procedure:
1. Prepare the potatoes.
For easy insertion of pennies, cut small slits into each potato. Use one of the screws to make a small hole in each potato. Make sure the potatoes are hard and fresh.
2. Insert the electrodes.
Insert the zinc screw into one hole in the potato. Next, insert the penny into the slits of the other potatoes.
3. Connect the wires.
Wrap the copper wire in the other zinc screw and insert the screw into the remaining hole in the potato. (This should be on a potato that already has a penny.) Wrap the other end of the copper wire in a V shape around the penny and insert it into the remaining slit.
4. Connect the meter.
Turn on the voltage meter. Touch one probe on a zinc screw that does not touch the wire. Touch the other probes on the penny that has not touched the wire.
5. Observe the results.
The voltmeter should display a positive voltage reading. If not, make sure all connections are secure and the probe touches the screws and penny.
Additional helpful notes
Multiple potatoes can be connected in series (linking one zinc to another copper) to increase the voltage. Potatoes act as electrolytes and allow electron flow between the electrodes.
Get the worksheet bundle!
Are you ready to carry out this experiment yourself? Click the button below to grab the printable potato battery experimental worksheet bundle.
