Pile au Citron

Construction d'une pile galvanique simple à partir d'agrumes

Electrochemistry Beginner (Middle School) 20 min ~$5,00

Objectif

Construire une pile galvanique simple en utilisant un citron, une pièce de cuivre et un clou de zinc pour démontrer comment l'énergie chimique se convertit en énergie électrique.

Contexte

A lemon battery uses the citric acid in lemon juice as an electrolyte. The zinc nail acts as the anode (oxidation) and the copper coin as the cathode (reduction). The potential difference between zinc and copper drives electron flow through an external circuit.

Avertissements de sécurité

  • Do not eat the lemons after the experiment — they contain metal residues
  • Handle sharp nails with care

EPI requis

goggles

Matériaux

  • Fresh lemons (3)
    Large and juicy
  • Copper coins or strips (3)
    Clean pennies or Cu strips
  • Zinc-coated nails (3)
    Galvanized nails
  • Insulated copper wire (1 m)
    With alligator clips
  • LED light (1)
    Low-voltage red LED

Équipement

Multimeter Wire strippers Alligator clips

Procédure

1

Roll each lemon on a flat surface while pressing gently to break the internal membranes and release juice.

2 min
2

Insert a copper coin or strip into one side of each lemon and a zinc nail into the other side. Keep the metals about 3 cm apart.

3 min Handle nails carefully
3

Use the multimeter to measure the voltage across a single lemon cell (between the copper and zinc). Record the voltage.

2 min
4

Connect three lemons in series: zinc of lemon 1 to copper of lemon 2, zinc of lemon 2 to copper of lemon 3.

5 min
5

Measure the total voltage of the three cells in series.

2 min
6

Connect the LED to the free copper and zinc terminals. Observe if it lights up.

3 min
7

Record observations about brightness and voltage over time.

3 min

Résultats attendus

Each lemon cell should produce approximately 0.9-1.0 V. Three in series should give about 2.7-3.0 V, enough to dimly light a red LED. The voltage will slowly decrease over time as the zinc is consumed.

Nettoyage

Remove all metal pieces from the lemons. Dispose of the lemons in the trash (not compost). Wipe down the metal pieces for reuse.

Détails

Catégorie
Electrochemistry
Difficulté
Beginner (Middle School)
Durée
20 min
Coût estimé
$5,00
Étapes
7
Matériaux
5

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Construction de la Pile de Daniell 45 min Électrolyse de l'Eau 40 min Électrolyse du Sulfate de Cuivre 50 min Galvanoplastie au Cuivre 60 min Mesure du Potentiel d'une Pile Voltaïque 60 min Méthodes de Prévention de la Rouille 30 min Pile à Concentration 45 min Vérification de la Série d'Activité 30 min

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Pile au Citron?
Construire une pile galvanique simple en utilisant un citron, une pièce de cuivre et un clou de zinc pour démontrer comment l'énergie chimique se convertit en énergie électrique.
How difficult is Pile au Citron?
This experiment is rated as Beginner (Middle School). It takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
What safety precautions are needed for Pile au Citron?
Key safety precautions include: Do not eat the lemons after the experiment — they contain metal residues; Handle sharp nails with care.
What materials are needed for Pile au Citron?
The main materials required are: Fresh lemons, Copper coins or strips, Zinc-coated nails, Insulated copper wire, LED light.
What results should I expect from Pile au Citron?
Each lemon cell should produce approximately 0.9-1.0 V. Three in series should give about 2.7-3.0 V, enough to dimly light a red LED. The voltage will slowly decrease over time as the zinc is consumed.