Potato battery, how does it work?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The potato battery operates through electrochemical reactions facilitated by the phosphoric acid (H3PO4) present in the potato. The zinc nail acts as the anode, oxidizing to Zn(+2) while the copper coin serves as the cathode, reducing Cu(+2) to Cu(s). The standard electrode potentials indicate that zinc has a higher tendency to oxidize compared to copper, enabling the flow of electrons. While the potato battery can generate a small voltage, it is insufficient to power devices like a light bulb, but it can produce enough energy to light up a pickle as demonstrated in related experiments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electrochemistry
  • Familiarity with standard electrode potentials
  • Knowledge of oxidation and reduction reactions
  • Understanding of electrolytes and their role in electrochemical cells
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the electrochemical series and its implications for battery design
  • Explore alternative electrolytes for enhancing battery performance
  • Investigate the efficiency of various homemade batteries
  • Learn about the principles of galvanic cells and their applications
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemistry enthusiasts, educators, and students interested in electrochemical processes and DIY battery projects.

christian0710
Messages
407
Reaction score
8
Hi just made a potato battery, using a cupper coin and zink nails (not connected in any way, just pit in a nail and 3 inches appart a penny), I was just wondering what is the chemistry/physics theory here?

Potatoes contain phosphoric acid
H3PO4

Is it the acid in potatoes that oxidize the 2 metals? or id it the standard electrode potential?

Electrode potential for Zn
Zn(+2) + 2e ---> Zn(s) = -0,76 V (so it want's to be oxidized and should reduce Cu (+2) to Cu (s) because Cupper has a positive electrode potential.

But does the acid oxidize both metals in the first place?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
Hmmm... can a potato battery produce enough "juice" to light up a pickle?

pickle.jpg


http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/pickle.html
 
Using a potato is just one of infinity of choices. Any electrolyte should work given it does not pasivate the surface of the metals.
 

Similar threads

Half-Reaction Explanations in a Simple Battery
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Chemistry "The oxidized species of the couple is very oxidizing". Does this make sense?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
How Does Soda Power a Clock Using Electrochemistry?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Chemically regenerating my auto's catalytic converter?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
10K
How Do Lead Acid Battery Reactions Work?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
How to know which order to put the equations in
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How do voltaic cells generate ions without a salt bridge?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
How does electroplating work at the atomic scale?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
How do batteries work? (DON'T MAKE IT SIMPLE)
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Does Electron Flow Work in a Zn-Cu Electrochemical Cell?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K