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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > April  >
In the Classroom
A Lemon Cell Battery for High-Power Applications
Kenneth R. Muske, Christopher W. Nigh, and Randy D. Weinstein
Department of Chemical Engineering, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085-1681
Cover
April 2007
Vol. 84 No. 4
p. 635

Abstract
This article discusses the development of a lemon cell battery for high-power applications. The target application is the power source of a dc electric motor for a model car constructed by first-year engineering students as part of their introductory course design project and competition. The battery is composed of a series of lemon juice cells made from UV–vis cuvets that use a magnesium anode and copper cathode. Dilution of the lemon juice to reduce the rate of corrosion of the magnesium anode and the addition of table salt to reduce the internal resistance of the cell are examined. Although our specific interest is the use of this lemon cell battery to run an electric dc motor, high-power applications such as radios, portable cassette or CD players, and other battery-powered toys are equally appropriate for demonstration and laboratory purposes using this battery.
More Information
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Citation
Muske, Kenneth R.; Nigh, Christopher W.; Weinstein, Randy D. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 635.
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Keywords
Applications of Chemistry; Chemical Engineering; Collaborative / Cooperative Learning; Demonstrations; Electrochemistry; Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials; Elementary / Middle School Science; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
3/6/2007
3/12/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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