At the zinc strip, the acid dissolves the zinc freeing electrons. At the copper strip, the acid uses those electrons to form hydrogen gas. Because the zinc strip frees electrons and the copper strip uses electrons, if you put a wire between the two strips, then electrons will flow from the zinc to the copper. This is electrical energy. Pre-Activity Done before the class as an introduction to batteries and the chemical reactions going on.
Half fill the beakers with water.
Show that the LED is dimly lit. Add vinegar, representing free protons, to the beakers and show that the LED is now brightly lit. Simple Potato Battery Select two different metal strips and one potato. Carefully place the metal strips into the potato. Now you will learn about your battery.