Vernier Lemon Cell, Voltage Probe, Computer Interface, Logger Pro Manual
Below you will find brief information for Lemon Cell, Voltage Probe, Computer Interface, Logger Pro. This document is a manual that details the necessary steps on how to build electrochemical cells, including the use of a computer to measure and display cell voltages. It also explores which combinations produce a voltage and which combination makes the best battery.
advertisement
▼
Scroll to page 2
of
4
Computer Lemon “Juice” 33 OBJECTIVES In this experiment, you will co Build several electrochemical cells. Use a computer to measure and display cell voltages. Discover which combinations produce a voltage. Decide which combination makes the “best” battery. MATERIALS scalpel graphite pencil (C) iron nail (Fe) magnesium strip (Mg) zinc strip (Zn) paper towel Ev al ua tio computer Vernier computer interface Logger Pro Vernier Voltage Probe 2 alligator clips a lemon n • • • • py “Juice” is a slang term sometimes used for electricity. Batteries are made up of one or more electrochemical cells. Electrochemical cells often consist of two different materials in an electrolytic solution and connected to each other by a wire. In this experiment, you will study some basic principles of electrochemical cells using the juice of a lemon as the electrolyte. You will place small pieces of two different materials into the lemon, and a computer will be used to measure and display the voltages produced. Figure 1 Physical Science with Vernier 33 - 1 Computer 33 PROCEDURE 1. Use a pen to make two parallel marks 1 cm long and 2 cm apart on a lemon. Use a scalpel to cut 2 slits in the lemon peel at the marks. 2. Attach the red Voltage Probe lead to one alligator clip and the black probe lead to a second alligator clip as shown in Figure 1. You will be attaching the alligator clips to the test materials during this experiment in order to prevent corrosion of the Voltage Probe leads. 3. Connect the probe to the computer interface. Prepare the computer for data collection by opening the file “33 Lemon Juice” from the Physical Science w Vernier folder. 4. Insert a short graphite pencil, sharpened at both ends, into one of the slots and an iron nail into the other. Hook the alligator clip attached to the red probe lead to the pencil. Hook the alligator clip attached to the black probe lead to the iron nail. 5. Record the voltage reading. Observe whether the voltage reading stays constant, rises, or drops. Record your observations. 6. Switch the positions of the alligator clips. Record the voltage reading and your observations. 7. Repeat Steps 4–6 for the other combinations listed in the data table. Dry the materials after each use. DATA Probe Lead Red Black Voltage (V) Observations Probe Lead Red Black C Fe Fe C C Mg Mg C C Zn Zn C Fe Mg Mg Fe Fe Zn Zn Fe Mg Zn Zn Mg 33 - 2 Voltage (V) Observations Physical Science with Vernier Lemon “Juice” PROCESSING THE DATA 1. What happens to the voltage reading if a cell is hooked up backwards? 2. Which combination gives the highest voltage? 3. Which combination(s) gives the steadiest voltage? 4. Which combination would make the best battery? Explain. 5. The chemical activity of metal is shown by the size of the voltage reading when the metal is paired with carbon in a cell. A high voltage indicates high chemical activity. Rank the three metals (Fe, Mg, and Zn) according to chemical activity, from highest to lowest. EXTENSIONS 1. Measure the voltage of “lemon cells” connected in series. 2. Try the experiment using other fruits and vegetables. 3. Do the experiment using other metals, such as aluminum, copper, and lead. Physical Science with Vernier 33 - 3 Vernier Lab Safety Instructions Disclaimer THIS IS AN EVALUATION COPY OF THE VERNIER STUDENT LAB. This copy does not include: z Safety information z Essential instructor background information z Directions for preparing solutions z Important tips for successfully doing these labs The complete Physical Science with Vernier lab manual includes 40 labs and essential teacher information. The full lab book is available for purchase at: http://www.vernier.com/cmat/psv.html Vernier Software & Technology 13979 S.W. Millikan Way • Beaverton, OR 97005-2886 Toll Free (888) 837-6437 • (503) 277-2299 • FAX (503) 277-2440 [email protected] • www.vernier.com
advertisement
Key Features
- Build electrochemical cells
- Measure and display cell voltages
- Discover which combinations produce a voltage
- Decide which combination makes the best battery
- Rank metals by chemical activity
Frequently Answers and Questions
What happens to the voltage reading if a cell is hooked up backwards?
The voltage reading will be reversed.
Which combination gives the highest voltage?
The combination of magnesium and carbon gives the highest voltage.
Which combination(s) gives the steadiest voltage?
The combination of magnesium and carbon gives the steadiest voltage.
Which combination would make the best battery? Explain.
The combination of magnesium and carbon would make the best battery because it produces the highest and steadiest voltage.
How can I measure the voltage of 'lemon cells' connected in series?
Connect the positive terminal of one cell to the negative terminal of the next cell, and then connect the positive terminal of the last cell to the red probe lead and the negative terminal of the first cell to the black probe lead.
Related manuals
Download
PDF
advertisement