MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: I have read the How does fruit produce electricity?

Date: Sun Feb 6 13:57:25 2000
Posted By: Dan Berger, MadSci Admin
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 948336528.Ch
Message:

The fruit itself does not produce the electricity; an exchange of electrons 
between the two electrodes produces the electricity. The function of the fruit 
is to provide ions so that the reaction can take place. As electrons are 
stripped from the zinc or aluminum electrode, negative ions move toward it to 
balance the positive zinc or aluminum ions being produced. As electrons are 
taken up by the copper electrode, positive ions move toward it to balance the 
negative charge being produced. (In the case of fruit, it's actually the acid in 
the fruit that sucks up electrons, converting H+ into hydrogen gas).

                                                 Dan Berger
                                                 MadSci Administrator


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