Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Dear awesome expert,

First of all, if you reply to this message, you are so awesome, i can't explain it.
My topic is about elctricity from a potato, tomato, and a lemon.
I am testing which one produces the most volts.
Please help ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From,

Joshua Sands, the most awesome
P.S Reply fast

Hi Joshua,
I'm not quite sure what your question is. However, if you want more information about this particular project, do check out the ScienceBuddies guide on that (if you have not already done so)

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentorin ... p029.shtml

Note the many links in the bibliography that will help you in terms of background reading. In case you want more links, these might help you out as well:

http://www.finishing.com/262/03.shtml

http://www.madsci.org/experiments/archi ... 06.Ch.html

http://www.suite101.com/content/generat ... ies-a99472

Hope this helps, good luck!

Joshua - Staryl13 gave you some good starting points for you to research. You will find that the ability of a fruit or vegetable to create an electric current (and voltage potential) is based on the pH (acid or base qualities) of the juice in the test, and the dissimilarities of the metals used for the electrodes. Electrodes with different electro potentials are chosen to maximize voltage in the circuit. Usually copper and zinc are the best candidates and are readily available (zinc in the form of a galvanized nail, for example). The surface area of the electrodes will determine the amount of DC current produced by the experiment. The more surface area, the more current. These experiments can certainly produce enough current to light a light emitting diode (LED). There were a few explanatory sites in Staryl's response. Good luck.

Rick Marz

Hello Joshua,

Here's a site that maybe could help you.

http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistry ... attery.htm
http://www.finishing.com/262/03.shtml
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5167602_do ... icity.html
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Science-Kids ... Fruits.htm

Stephen

Hello,
Can you please help me get any sources about citric or lactic acid

Joshua,

I merged your last post with your previous thread -- we ask that you keep all posts on the same topic in the same thread so that everyone can follow the whole conversation.

Also, for this kind of question you should first try putting "citric acid" or "lactic acid" into a search engine... there's really no need for us to do that for you. :) Is there specific information you can't find? Are you not sure which sources are the most authoritative? We can help you refine the information you find that way.

Amanda

Hi Joshua - It looks like you are receiving quality help from our team of Experts. I hope you have enjoyed working on the project.

Amanda is correct that you will find a good bit of information if you use a search engine like Google and search on "citric acid." Our Experts are happy to help answer specific questions after you do your research.

Amy
Science Buddies

Joshua,

If you've already tried using a search engine, can you explain what information about citric acid or lactic acid you were not able to find?

Amanda

Hi Joshua,

This website explains what citric acid is (you may already have it):

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-citric-acid.htm

This one tells what lactic acid is (you may have this too):

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_lactic_acid


Hope that helps!