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Observations on Lemon Cells

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Jerry Goodisman

Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-4100

J. Chem. Educ., 2001, 78 (4), p 516

DOI: 10.1021/ed078p516

Publication Date (Web): April 1, 2001

Section:

History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

The lemon cell, consisting of pieces of two different metals stuck into a lemon or other fruit, is pictured in many general chemistry textbooks without being discussed. We describe simple experiments, suitable for the general chemistry laboratory, which elucidate how this kind of cell works. They show that (i) the cell is not two metal-metal ion half cells, and (ii) the cell reaction involves dissolution of the more active metal and generation of hydrogen on the less active metal. Why the cell works this way is explained, and the cell's historical importance is discussed.

Keywords (Audience):

High School / Introductory Chemistry

Keywords (Domain):

Chemical Education Research

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Misconceptions / Discrepant Events

Keywords (Subject):

Electrochemistry

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This article has been cited by 1 ACS Journal articles (1 most recent appear below).

A Lemon Cell Battery for High-Power Applications
Kenneth R. Muske , Christopher W. Nigh and Randy D. Weinstein
Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (4), 635
- A Lemon Cell Battery for High-Power Applications
  Kenneth R. Muske , Christopher W. Nigh and Randy D. Weinstein
  Journal of Chemical Education2007 84 (4), 635
  This article discusses the development of a lemon cell battery for high-power applications. The target application is the power source of a dc electric motor for a model car constructed by first-year engineering students as part of their introductory ...
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