Did you know that you can create an electrical
charge using a few simple items?
For this experiment you will need:
• One lime
• A penny
• A nickel
• One knife
• An adult
• A multimeter (if you have one)
STEP 1
Wash the penny and nickel in
warm water and make sure they
are completely dry.
STEP 2
Take the lime and roll it back and forth across a hard surface. This helps release the juices inside the lime.
STEP 3
Have an adult help you cut two slits in the lime. Make sure the slits are fairly close together.
STEP 4
Place the coins into the slits. Make sure the coins are not touching each other.
STEP 5
If you have a multimeter, connect it to the coins and try measuring the current. If not, try touching your tongue to both coins at the same time. You should feel a small ZAP of electricity!
What happens if you try using two copper coins? Does the experiment still work?
Try using other citrus fruits like an orange or a lemon - does the experiment still work?
Why does this trick work? Because when you put two different metals in an acid, a current of electricity will flow. When you put your tongue on the coins, the saliva on your tongue helps complete the electrical circuit and causes a small shock of electricity.