Lecture: Recreating a Voltaic Pile

Introduction

• Topic: Recreate a voltaic pile, the first electrical battery
• Inventor: Alessandro Volta (1799)
• Significance: Essential for everyday life, evolved from simple to sophisticated

Materials Needed

• Copper (11 pieces, e.g., 5-cent coins)
• Zinc (11 discs)
• Paper (11 pieces, same size)
• Vinegar
• Salt

Steps to Create the Battery

Preparing Materials

1. Paper Circles: Cut into uniform pieces to avoid short circuits.
2. Electrolyte Solution: Dissolve salt in vinegar to transmit electric current.
3. Proper Paper: Use thin paper, thicker materials impede current.

Building the Voltaic Pile

1. **Layering Components: **
   • Place a copper disc
   • Add a paper soaked with electrolyte
   • Place a zinc disc
2. Repeat: Continue layering (Copper, Paper, Zinc) to create 11 cells.
3. Insulation: Use aluminum sheet to insulate the pile from the environment.

Testing the Battery

1. Voltage Measurement: Each cell should produce 0.64 volts.
2. Connecting to LED: Attach positive side of the circuit to copper, negative to zinc.
3. Ensuring Paper is Wet: Adequately soaked paper is crucial for functioning.

Outcome and Observations

• Initial Failure: Paper disks dried out, insufficient electrolyte transfer.
• Success: After re-wetting the paper, successful creation of light.
• Battery Life: Lasted for 4 minutes 37 seconds.
• Comparison: Power not comparable to 9-volt battery, can improve by adding cells.

Additional Notes

• Safety: Safe to recreate, low voltage doesn't affect human body.
• Alternatives: Salt water can substitute vinegar.
• Viewer Interaction: Encouraged viewers to share experiences and feedback.

Conclusion

• Experiment Success: Demonstrated basic principles of battery operation.
• Invitation: Viewers can try at home, safe and educational.