AC vs. DC

Basic Direct Current Circuits Most circuits will have the following core items in common. Power source Load or Resistance Control (switch) Connectors (often wires) 2

The Potato Battery 3 How does a battery work? One metal (copper penny) attracts electrons more than another metal (zinc nail). If you simply put the metals directly together it gives no pathway for a “flow” of electrons. As a conductive solution, you can use any electrolyte, whether it is an acid, base or salt solution. Many fruits and vegetables contain juices rich in ions and are therefore good electrical conductors, like a potato. If you bathe the two metals in a conductive solution, and connect them externally with a wire, the reactions between the metals and the solution continually furnish the circuit with charges. In this way, the process that produces electrical energy continues and becomes useful.

The Potato Battery To make the potato battery into a direct current circuit you will need the same basic elements. Power source- Potato Load- timer or light Control- any clip Connectors- wires 4

Now take a break to try it out!