Science Lab Experiment: Voltaic Cell
Demonstration Voltaic Cell
Object: To set up a voltaic cell and observe what happens when 2 different
metals are placed in acid.
Materials: zinc strip, copper strip, sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
Diagram:
Method: The materials were set up as shown in the diagram.
Observations: When the metal strips were placed in the acid, bubbles
formed at the zinc strip. The needle of the voltmeter moved
to approximately 1.1. volts.
Conclusions: An electromotive force (EMF) was set up by the metal
strips. The zinc lost atoms to the acid leaving electrons (-)
behind. The copper lost electrons to the acid, making the
copper positive (+). When the wire was connected, the electrons
moved from the negative strip to the positive strip with a force
of 1.1 volts, creating electricity.
