Intro:
During this project we were able to make our own battery. We used copper, zinc, and a piece of cardboard soaked in vinegar. We then stacked these materials. Each cell that we would stack added onto to the overall charge of the battery. When in contact with the electrolyte solution, Each metal forms positive ions. However zinc loses electrons more easily causing them to travel to the copper ions. Therefore the electrons transfer from the zinc to the copper.
Looking Back:
Our experiment worked out very well. We were able to construct a functional battery that even powered an LED light. We first sanded one side of a penny to expose the zinc and left the other side of the penny alone because we needed it to have copper. We then put the copper side down and the zinc side up and soaked cardboard in vinegar and placed it on top of the copper and repeated the stacking process seven more times. Then we tested the battery by trying to light up an LED light and it worked! This is because electrons flow from the zinc through the soaked cardboard to the copper.The reason why we repeatedly stacked the materials was so that the overall charge of the battery could increase which strengthens the battery.
Looking Beyond:
To make the battery there needs to be zinc, copper, and a source of electrolytes. This is because when an atom that can lose electrons easier than an atom from a different element make contact, the electrons transfer. Just like how in the experiment, when in contact with the electrolyte solution, (vinegar), the zinc loses its electrons easier so they transfer to the copperions. This illustrates the concept of oxidation and reduction. Oxidation is the loss of electrons while reduction is the gaining of electrons. In this case, the zinc goes through oxidation while the copper goes through reduction.
Looking Inward:
I believe what contributed to my group's desirable results was the teamwork and understanding we had. We all knew what to do and how to communicate and it all ended with us successfully making a battery and powering an LED light. I believe I did well in this project and contributed to the success in the group.
Looking Forward:
If I were to do this project again, I would probably have just sanded the penny patiently because when we went outside to try to sand the pennies, it was slow and not as effective as when we came back and sanded the pennies for a couple minutes. Other than that I wouldn't change anything. I would probably choose the same group again if possible because everyone was on task and productive. I don't see anyway to continue the experiment and would like to move on to exciting new ones.
Take Away:
This experiment taught me more about utilizing metals. I never new you could make a battery our of pennies and cardboard! It was interesting to make a functioning battery without any plugs or wires. I also didn't know that under a pennies shiny coating was a metallic like substance, I always thought that pennies were just pure copper. I enjoyed this experiment and may even use this to my own advantage!