How to Make an Electrolyte Circuit

Electric circuits are used to convert electrical energy into light, heat, or mechanical work. Direct current electrical power supplied -- as supplied by a battery -- is produced by an electrochemical reaction between an electrolyte and two or more plates in a voltage cell. This reaction produces a voltage differential between the plates, which allows the battery to supply an electric circuit with power. Without the electrolyte, a battery cannot produce power; it is therefore a critical part of power generation in a circuit. One simple way to demonstrate the importance of battery electrolyte is by building a simple battery.

Things You'll Need

• Voltmeter
• Brass screw
• Galvanized nail
• Lemon

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Turn on the voltmeter and set the scale to "DC volts." Attach the red voltmeter lead to the top of the brass screw. Attach the black voltmeter lead to the head of the nail.

   • 2

     Insert the brass screw into the front of the lemon. Make sure that the screw goes at least half-way into the lemon.

   • 3

     Insert the nail into the back of the lemon. Make sure that the nail goes at least half-way into the lemon, but does not touch the brass screw. Check the voltmeter display; this battery will produce approximately 0.9 volts of electrical power.