Battery #1
Making your own battery

Materials:

light emitting diode
Light Emitting Diode

Making a battery:

This makes a 0.7 volt battery. The zinc bottom is the negative end and the brass top is the positive end.

It is important that the bottom side of the zinc washers stay dry, that the paper is damp, and that everything is in the right order.

You will notice that the battery works better if you disconnect it and let it rest for a few seconds. It may also help to push straight down gently, to improve the contact between the washers.

When you are through studying the battery, take it apart and wash and dry the washers. As you do so, notice that the paper has become stained, and the brass washer discolored. These are evidence of the chemical reactions that released the energy that the battery was producing. If you run the battery long enough, you will remove the zinc coating from the washer altogether.