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DIY Limelight Electrode

A science experiment you can perform at home or for a school project is to demonstrate the principles of electricity by making a limelight electrode. This is done by using the acids that are contained in various types of foods, such as lemons and limes. Use the acid in the fruit to create a chemical reaction that produces an electrical current to power a light.

Things You'll Need

Galvanized zinc-coated screw
One whole lemon
Knife
1982 or earlier penny
Copper wire
Ruler
Wire cutters
Metal clamp
LED lightbulb

Instructions

- 1
  Press the galvanized screw into the lemon. This will create the negative electrode.
- 2
  Make a 1/2-inch or smaller cut into the opposite side of the lemon with the knife. Press the penny into the cut in the lemon. This will create the positive electrode.
- 3
  Measure a 6-inch length of copper wire with a ruler. Cut the wire to this length with the wire cutters.
- 4
  Wrap one end of the copper wire around the negative electrode. Attach the other end of this wire to the positive electrode with a metal clamp.
- 5
  Measure and cut two 10-inch lengths of copper wire.
- 6
  Attach one end of a wire onto the flat side of the LED lightbulb. Attach the other end of the wire to the negative electrode.
- 7
  Attach one end of the second wire to the round side of the LED lightbulb. Connect the other end of the wire to the negative electrode. You should see the LED lightbulb power on.

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