MAKING A SIMPLE BATTERY
Purpose: A simple battery is made. When completed, the battery will generate about 1.5 V of electricity (the same amount generated by most AA, C or D batteries). Six of these batteries connected in series will operate a 9-V radio.
Equipment/Materials:
0.5 M copper sulfate solution jars
0.5 M sodium sulfate solution one-hole stoppers to fit jars
strip of magnesium metal dialysis tubing
strip of copper metal CBL with voltage probe
Procedure:
1. Obtain a jar and fill it about half full of sodium sulfate solution.
2. Obtain a strip of dialysis tubing about 6 inches in length. Place the dialysis tubing under water until it become flexible. Tie a knot in one end to make a dialysis bag. Fill this bag with copper sulfate solution and place in one side of the jar containing the sodium sulfate solution.
3. Cut a strip of copper metal long enough to fit into the jar with about 1 inch extending from the top. Cut a strip of magnesium metal the same length.
4. Place the copper strip in the dialysis bag with the copper sulfate solution.
5.
Place the magnesium metal in the sodium sulfate solution on the opposite side of the jar from the dialysis bag. See picture below.
6. Insert the stopper so that the metal strips and dialysis bag are held in place.
7. Observe the reaction.
8. Use the leads from a multimeter to measure the voltage of your “battery”.
9. Use wire leads alligator clips to connect six cells in series. Attach to a 9-V radio and enjoy the music.
MAKING A SIMPLE BATTERY
Data Table
Name(s): Date:
Period/Lab Group:
Record the measured voltage of your battery: V
Questions:
1. This battery operates because of a transfer of electrons between magnesium and copper. Write the reaction.
2. Trace the flow of electrons in this reaction.
3. Is this an oxidation-reduction reaction? If so, what is oxidized and what is reduced?
4. What evidence of a chemical reaction are observed in the jar?
5. Which metal strip is the anode and which is the cathode?
EL 05 page 1
Revised on 9/27/07 (UM)