Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

my projecs due date is just around the corner and i am in need of some assistance. i have been searching for information on the chemical properties of an alkaline battery. i know which chemicals i need but not how much of each i need to use if there is anyone who can help me with this problem t would be greatley appreciated.

Hello chaosreigns!
What chemicals will you be using? It depends very much on that/ what are you trying to do with them? Are you trying to MAKE an alkaline battery? What is your problem in the experiment? I can help you if you give details. -expert

im actualy MAKING an alkaline battery. uummm its electrolytes are powdered zinc and manganese dioxide. and the problem i am having is finding instructions on actualy making the battery.

Most chemical batteries are pretty simple, they can be made just with jars and a metal tube, or even with fruits:

http://van.hep.uiuc.edu/van/qa/section/ ... Batteries/

Generally these use acid, zinc and copper. For alkaline, I'd assume you'd want to use a base instead of an acid.

This is a quite powerful battery based on bleach, which may prove helpful

http://www.fuellesspower.com/Homemade_Bat2.htm

Hi,

I don't think any of us really knows what concentration to use. Maybe you can find out what concentration is best in your science fair project. I would recommend trying 0.05M, 0.1 M, 0.5 M and 1 M KOH. Find out which concentration works best (highest voltage, longest life). This would be a great experiment. Remember potassium hydroxide is corrosive and you need to be very careful when working with it. Wear gloves and safety glasses; if you get any on you skin or clothing, wash it off with lots of water immediately.

Donna Hardy

well actualy my experiment was going to be how changing the amounts/concentrations of the electrolytes, would effect the performance of the battery's life, voltage, etc.
so its not so much the conenration that i need as much as how to peice the battery itself together

Hi,

In the first website that Bradley suggested, there is a picture of a lemon and a tomato battery. The voltmeter, which measures the current, is connected to the copper and zinc electrodes and the fruit is the source of acid (hydrogen ions).

Your battery will be made the same way, except you will have a container with zinc and base connected to one electrode and manganese connected to the other electrode. To make a battery work, there must be a complete circuit of substances that will allow the flow of electrons (metal wire or water containing ions).

Let me know if you still don't know what to do.


Donna Hardy