Battery that makes cents

[Ross Pretorius]

I'm living in south africa and we don't have nickels and pennies. Does it matter what coin you use to make the battery?

[SciB]

Hi Ross,

The idea behind a 'voltaic pile' like the alternating pennies and nickels in the Battery that Makes Cents project is that a current [flow of electrons] is set up when two different metals are in contact with a conductive solution [electrolyte] between them. You don't have to use U.S. coins. You must have some coin that is made of or plated with copper that can be used in place of the pennies. Then you just need a coin out of a different metal--maybe zinc or aluminum.

Here's a good website that talks about making batteries from different metals: http://sci-toys.com/scitoys/scitoys/ech ... eries.html

My suggestion would be to get a variety of coins and try them to see which combinations work best. You can also vary the type of electrolyte. Vinegar, lemon juice--even Coca-Cola may give a voltage reading on your voltmeter with the battery. Experiment. That's the fun part of science because you don't know what is going to happen.

Let us know how you make out and if you have any more questions.

Best wishes,

Sybee