Why Do Citrus Fruits Produce Electricity?
Complete Circuit In order to generate electricity, there must be a power source and a complete circuit. When using a citrus fruit to create electricity, these rules still apply. In a simple experiment using a citrus fruit, the components of the circuit include: a lemon or other fruit, wire, two different metal elements and a small light bulb. The lemon in this circuit serves as the battery and power source. Two metals often used in this demonstration are zinc and copper. The acidic juice of the lemon dissolves small amounts of the two metals and their electrons react with each other. The negatively charged ions travel through the wires, creating an electrical current. (Electricity is the movement of electrons.) This demonstration is a closed circuit, which allows electrons to flow from the power source and back again, with no breaks. Battery Properties At first glance, it appears this circuit lacks the crucial component of a battery or power source. The lemon, with the zinc and copper,
