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Materials

Battery from Pennies

Start with the video, then use the science notes and recommended parts below to follow the idea behind the build.

MaterialsElectronics

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How it works

What this project is testing.

A battery is chemistry arranged so electrons have a reason to move through an outside path. With two different metals and an electrolyte, a tiny voltage appears between the electrodes.

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This project demonstrates a simple galvanic cell. Each penny stack is small, but stacking cells adds voltage, which makes the hidden chemical energy easier to measure.

V_{t o t a l} = n V_{ce l l}

Cells stacked in series add their voltages together.

Recommended parts

Products used in this project.

Affiliate links may earn Keystone Science a commission. Match ratings, values, sizes, polarity, and safety requirements to your own build before buying.

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries for Smoke Detector, Electronics & Audio, Reliable, 5-Year Shelf Life

batterypower

Amazon Basics 8-Pack 9V Long-Lasting Alkaline Batteries

$12.694.7(242K)

General electronics battery pick; choose AA/AAA variants when the circuit calls for them.

CHANZON 100pcs 5mm LED Diode Lights Assortment 10 Colors x 10pcs Diodes (Clear Transparent Lens) Emitting Lighting Bulb Lamp Assorted Kit Variety Color White Red Yellow Green Blue Orange UV Pink

LEDsemiconductor

100pcs 5mm LED Diode Lights Assortment, 10 Colors

$6.994.5(1,800)

EISCO Metal Electrodes 7 Piece Set, Aluminium, Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Tin, Iron & Carbon

pennies / copper-zinc electrodeschemistry/electrical

EISCO Metal Electrodes 7 Piece Set: Aluminium, Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Tin, Iron, and Carbon

$23.994.5(67)

Use a real metal electrode kit rather than recommending currency as a consumable product.

2 x 13.5 Pounds Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda (27 Pounds Total)

salt / electrolytechemistry

Arm & Hammer Pure Baking Soda, 2 x 13.5 Pounds

4.8(1,100)

For electrolysis demos, baking soda is often a safer electrolyte than table salt.

Pure Life Distilled Water 2.5 Gallon, 320 Fl Oz

waterfluid

Pure Life Distilled Water, 2.5 Gallon

$5.694.6(410)

EDGELEC 120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires 20cm Wire Length Optional Dupont Cable Assorted Kit Male to Female Multicolored Ribbon Cables

jumper wires / hookup wirewiring

120pcs Breadboard Jumper Wires, 20cm Dupont Cable Assorted Kit, Male to Female

$6.984.7(4,500)

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery Alligator Clips Test Leads AC/DC Voltage/Account,Voltage Alert, Amp/Ohm/Volt Multi Tester/Diode

multimetertest equipment

Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter TRMS 6000 with Battery, Alligator Clips, and Test Leads

$22.394.6(1,700)

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, Freezer and Grill Safe, Great for Foil Packets and Home Cooking, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.

aluminum foilfabrication

Reynolds Wrap Everyday Strength Aluminum Foil Roll, 12 Inches Wide, 200 Total Sq. Ft.

$13.494.8(29K)

Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon - 5% Acidity

vinegarchemistry

Iberia All Natural Distilled White Vinegar

$12.994.8(6,800)

10 EcoSwift 12x12 Chipboard Cardboard Craft Scrapbook Material Scrapbooking Packaging Sheets Shipping Pads Inserts 12 inch x 12 inch Chip Board 12x12

paper/cardboardfabrication

EcoSwift 12x12 Chipboard Cardboard Craft Sheets, 10 Pack

$6.994.2(81)

Usable craft/fabrication material, but Amazon review evidence is thinner than the main bench-tool picks. Review requirements and safety guidance before buying.

Project files

Prints, kits, and downloads.

Diagrams, printable files, kits, or companion downloads will appear here when they are ready to use.

Coming soon

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