Experiment:
Before this experiment started we first covered some basic ideas to help us with the experiment. We learned that all elements have different electrons, the flow of electrons is electricity. In our penny powered batter we are creating electricity with Copper, Zinc, Tin foil, cardboard, vinegar, an of course pennies. We needed to expose the zinc on the penny so that it could create an electric current. When the copper hits the electrolytes a reaction occurs where the metal forms positive ions. Zinc is an element that loses electrons easily and so the electrons travel to the copper ions. Zinc wants to lose its electrons faster than Copper does.
My group and I first went outside and sand one side of the penny so that it was completely silver. Our pennies were 97% zinc and covered in copper, so we sanded down the pennies into bare copper. Then, we cut up card stock that was approximately the size of the pennies and we dipped them in vinegar. We dipped them in vinegar because the vinegar has electrolytes to get the battery going. Then, on top of tin foil, we layered a penny and then a piece of card stock on top of each other for about five times. Then, it was time, we took our LED light and stuck one side to the top of the penny, and the other to the tinfoil. Our LED light started working! It was exiting to see our light working with the battery we had created with household items.
LOOKING BEYOND: This experiment was a reaction of electrolytes and metals, the energy was powered by all the different elements and electrons. It was apparent that the more pennies you put on the stack, the more electricity you would receive.
LOOKING INWARD: For this experiment it was interesting to the see the results. I didn't expect to be able to create energy that can last up to a couple days from just pennies and vinegar paper. But after reviewing the science behind it and going into how atoms and electrons work, it is more clear to what is happening scientifically.
LOOKING OUTWARD: Now that the experiment is over I realized that I actually liked it, normally I like the really messy and complicated experiments, but this one was fun because my table group got to collaborate and work together and get a very cool result.
LOOKING FORWARD: Now that I have done this experiment it has changed my mind of how I take on new experiments. Because I wasn't exited at first, but then as I got into it, it was becoming fun and interesting. Electricity isn't my favorite thing, but I do think it is very complex.
TAKE AWAYS: I think from this experience I learned that I like doing group experiments. Normally I just do lab work with one partner, but this time working with a good group was fun. This experiment let me learn about interesting chemistry that I didn't know could occur through just a couple pennies, electrolytes and an LED.
My group and I first went outside and sand one side of the penny so that it was completely silver. Our pennies were 97% zinc and covered in copper, so we sanded down the pennies into bare copper. Then, we cut up card stock that was approximately the size of the pennies and we dipped them in vinegar. We dipped them in vinegar because the vinegar has electrolytes to get the battery going. Then, on top of tin foil, we layered a penny and then a piece of card stock on top of each other for about five times. Then, it was time, we took our LED light and stuck one side to the top of the penny, and the other to the tinfoil. Our LED light started working! It was exiting to see our light working with the battery we had created with household items.
LOOKING BEYOND: This experiment was a reaction of electrolytes and metals, the energy was powered by all the different elements and electrons. It was apparent that the more pennies you put on the stack, the more electricity you would receive.
LOOKING INWARD: For this experiment it was interesting to the see the results. I didn't expect to be able to create energy that can last up to a couple days from just pennies and vinegar paper. But after reviewing the science behind it and going into how atoms and electrons work, it is more clear to what is happening scientifically.
LOOKING OUTWARD: Now that the experiment is over I realized that I actually liked it, normally I like the really messy and complicated experiments, but this one was fun because my table group got to collaborate and work together and get a very cool result.
LOOKING FORWARD: Now that I have done this experiment it has changed my mind of how I take on new experiments. Because I wasn't exited at first, but then as I got into it, it was becoming fun and interesting. Electricity isn't my favorite thing, but I do think it is very complex.
TAKE AWAYS: I think from this experience I learned that I like doing group experiments. Normally I just do lab work with one partner, but this time working with a good group was fun. This experiment let me learn about interesting chemistry that I didn't know could occur through just a couple pennies, electrolytes and an LED.