A Lemon Cell Battery for High-Power Applications

Kenneth R. Muske , Christopher W. Nigh and Randy D. Weinstein
Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085-1681
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (4), p 635
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p635
Publication Date (Web): April 1, 2007

Abstract

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 course design project and competition. The battery is composed of a series of lemon juice cells made from UV–vis cuvets that use a magnesium anode and copper cathode. Dilution of the lemon juice to reduce the rate of corrosion of the magnesium anode and the addition of table salt to reduce the internal resistance of the cell are examined. Although our specific interest is the use of this lemon cell battery to run an electric dc motor, high-power applications such as radios, portable cassette or CD players, and other battery-powered toys are equally appropriate for demonstration and laboratory purposes using this battery.

Keywords (Audience):

Elementary / Middle School Science

Keywords (Domain):

Chemical Engineering

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Collaborative / Cooperative Learning

Keywords (Subject):

Applications of Chemistry
View: Hi-Res PDF | PDF w/ Links

Tools

SciFinder Links

SciFinder subscribers: Click to sign in | Not a SciFinder subscriber? Learn more at www.cas.org

Explore by:

History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

Recommend & Share

  • Share on ACS NetworkACS Network
  • Add to FacebookFacebook
  • Tweet ThisTweet This
  • Add to CiteULikeCiteULike
  • Add to NewsvineNewsvine
  • Digg ThisDigg This
  • Add to DeliciousDelicious

Related Content