Build a Battery

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Learners build a simple one-cell battery and use an ammeter to measure the flow of current. They add solutions of sodium sulfate and copper sulfate to separate bowls, and connect the solutions with a salt bridge. Leads of copper and zinc complete the circuit. This activity is currently used in the Chemical Reactions Unit in OMSI's Chemistry Lab. Cost estimates are per 100 learners. For safety reasons, this activity should be conducted as a demonstration for younger audiences.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • filter paper
  • 200g copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4-5H2O)
  • 500g sodium sulfate (NaSO4)
  • 250-mL squeeze bottles
  • zinc sheet, 1in by 2in
  • copper sheet, 1in by 2in
  • electrical tape
  • (2) wire leads with alligator clips
  • (2) small bowls, 2in diameter
  • 500mL plastic beaker
  • microammeter (0-500 uA)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 9355628