Applied Science | Monday | 11.09

[tyler_gone]

The lab tables had potatoes, wires, nails, and cheap digital clocks on them this morning. One of these things was not like the others.

"We're making potato batteries today," Tyler said, explaining the odd assortment. "What you're doing is using the potato to transfer electrochemical energy. Now, a battery is a device that converts chemical energy directly to electrical energy.[21] It consists of a number of voltaic cells; each voltaic cell consists of two half cells connected in series by a conductive electrolyte containing anions and cations ...." He went on for a while, thoroughly explaining the science.

"The potato's not important. The potato's just acting as a buffer between the zinc in the nails and the copper in the wire. You can do pretty much the same thing with lemons, pickles, apples ... you get the idea."

"Pair up and use this handout to make potato batteries. Extra credit if you find a better way to do it."

Comments

Re: Science! [11.09]

[tyler_gone]

It was hard to ignore that one of his students was big and green today.

"Jennifer?" Tyler asked quietly. "Are you okay to be in class?"

The last thing he needed was for someone to go SMASH on the clocks.

Re: Science! [11.09]

[not-jaded-yet.livejournal.com]

"I am," Jennifer said with a pleased smile. "It's a bit of a story, but this isn't tied to how angry I am, anymore."

Re: Science! [11.09]

[tyler_gone]

"That sounds like good news," Tyler said. "And from that smile, I'm going to guess you aren't stuck?"

Re: Science! [11.09]

[not-jaded-yet.livejournal.com]

"It's totally a 'by choice' arrangement," Jennifer said. "And it is good news. It just was a bit of a trial to get to it."

Re: Science! [11.09]

[tyler_gone]

Tyler eyed her, the potatoes, and her again before coming to a decision. "If you have free time Friday," he said, "I'd love to hear the whole story during my office hours."

Re: Science! [11.09]

[not-jaded-yet.livejournal.com]

Jennifer smiled and nodded. "That sounds like a good idea to me," she said. "I promise to stop in."

Re: Science! [11.09]

[tyler_gone]

"Then I will see you then."