How to Build Batteries
Batteries are expensive as any parent can tell you. What is so surprising is that this common household item can be built quite easily if you just have the directions. Other than the wiring, you most likely have all of the necessary items lying around. Why not give this project a try today?
A household battery is a device which yields an electrical current. It does so by connecting materials which set off a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction is what produces the stream of electrons that yields the electrical current. To transfer the electrons between the materials, you must place them in an electrolyte solution. Store bought batteries use a highly corrosive acid to induce this reaction, but ones made at home are much safer.
Gather the materials needed to build a battery. Materials needed will be ten copper pennies, a paper towel, electrical tape, wires, aluminum foil, scissors and salt water or lime juice. Most, if not all, items can be found in the home which makes this a very inexpensive project.
First the anode will need to be prepared. This will be done using the aluminum foil as it loses electrons faster than the copper pennies. The foil will be the source of the electric current. Cut ten circles from the foil. Each circle should be the same size as the penny.
Next the paper towel will need to be cut. The purpose of the paper towel is to hold the salt water or lime juice will be acting as the electrolyte solution. The paper towel will be used as a medium between the anode and the cathode, which will be the pennies. The paper towel should be cut into ten squares. Each square should be just big enough to circumscribe one penny.
Now the battery will need to be stacked and taped. There is a specific order for this step. Lay on penny flat on a surface and place a paper towel square over it. Now place one aluminum foil circle on the paper towel. This represents one simple cell of the battery. Continue stacking in this order until all items are used. You should have a penny at the bottom of the stack and a piece of foil at the other. Wrap the stack with electrical tape. The tape should only go around the stack once as you do not want to seal the contents off.
Dip the completed stack into the salt water or lime juice. The stack must be completely submerged as this allows the paper towels to absorb the solution. Lime juice is the preferred electrolyte solution, but salt water will work also. In the event you do not have either on hand, vinegar, diluted bleach or soda will also work. You may wish to experiment with different solutions.
Connect one length of wire to each end of the stack. Use electrical tape to do so. When this step is completed, one end will be connected to the penny and the other to the aluminum foil. These items are representative of the positive and negative terminals seen in commercial batteries. When connected, the circuit is completed and a small electric charge will be produced. Now you have a homemade battery.