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A c t i v i t y 4 – F r u i t B a t t e r y
Math Concepts
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Measurement
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Data analysis
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Rate of change
Materials
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CBL 2™
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TI Graphing Calculator
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6-inch unit-to-unit link cable (or any length)
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TI voltage sensor
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U. S. Penny (1959-1982) or a piece of copper
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Zinc washer
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5 different types of fruit for batteries (orange, lemon, banana, potato, tomato, apple, and so forth)
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Plastic knife to make slots in the fruit
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Water and towel to wash and dry the penny and washer
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Ruler to measure centimeters
Introduction
You may have heard of the potato battery that you can make with a penny and a
zinc washer. Have you wondered if this really works? In this investigation, you will
explore several items for their ability to become a battery. The material of the
potato or other object serves as an electrolyte in the battery. These electrolytes
allow ions to dissociate and this allows for the flow of electricity. The reaction is a
result of many factors: the two metal terminals, the type of material they are
connected through (electrolyte), the distance between the two metals, and the
amount of contact with the fluid. In this experiment, you will try to control all the
variables but one, the electrolyte, and discover the best battery!
In this activity you will:
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Collect data on voltage and graph in a scatter plot.
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Compare the values of different fruit batteries using the graph.
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Determine the rate of change of voltage over time for the "best" battery.
To start the experiment, control all the variables except the one that you want to
measure, which is the voltage produced when the fruit is used as the electrolyte in
the battery.
© 2000, 2003 T
I
EXAS
NSTRUMENTS
Science Concepts
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♦
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I
NCORPORATED
Data collection
Experimental design
Physical science
G
S
ETTING
TARTED WITH THE
CBL 2™ S
59
YSTEM
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