How Do You Make A Voltaic Pile?
The voltaic pile was the world’s first battery. In 1800, Alessandro Volta experimented with various types of metals and electrolyte solutions (which conduct electricity). Although he did not fully understand electricity, Volta was able to construct a simple battery by alternating layers of copper plates, zinc plates and pads soaked in electrolyte solution. You can make a facsimile of Volta’s first battery. Step 1 Dissolve as much salt as you can into the hot water. Soak the pieces of paper towel in the salt water solution. Step 2 Strip the ends of the insulated copper wires. Tape the end of one wire to the side of a penny. Tape one end of the other wire to a zinc washer (or a nickel). These will be put on the top and bottom of your stack. It does not matter which goes on which end as long as the wires are on the outside of the stack. Step 3 Stack the coins and paper towels in alternating layers like this: copper, zinc washer, paper towel, copper, zinc washer, paper towel, etc. Start wi
The voltaic pile was the world’s first battery. In 1800, Alessandro Volta experimented with various types of metals and electrolyte solutions (which conduct electricity). Although he did not fully understand electricity, Volta was able to construct a simple battery by alternating layers of copper plates, zinc plates and pads soaked in electrolyte solution. You can make a facsimile of Volta’s first battery. Dissolve as much salt as you can into the hot water. Soak the pieces of paper towel in the salt water solution. Strip the ends of the insulated copper wires. Tape the end of one wire to the side of a penny. Tape one end of the other wire to a zinc washer (or a nickel). These will be put on the top and bottom of your stack. It does not matter which goes on which end as long as the wires are on the outside of the stack. Stack the coins and paper towels in alternating layers like this: copper, zinc washer, paper towel, copper, zinc washer, paper towel, etc. Start with one of your taped
