How do you get electricity from a lemon?

You have probably used batteries as a power source before – like in your flashlight. In this experiment, you can build a very simple battery yourself. Can you generate enough electricity to make headphones crackle?

Before you get started

If you are experimenting at home:
1. Let your parents know and discuss the experiments with them beforehand.
2. Do not eat or drink at your workspace.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after the experiment.
4. Be careful and cautious with the materials.

Graphic figure boy pouring liquid in flask

You will need

Iron nail
Paper clip ‏(copper)
Lemon
Wire
Headphones ‏(e.g., from cell phone)

Let’s get started!

1. Put metal in lemon

Insert an iron nail and a copper paper clip into a lemon. Bend the paper clip so that the wire is straight at one end and remains bent at the other end. Insert the long, straight end into the lemon.

2. Connect wires

Wrap a thin 5–10-cm wire around the nail. You also need to wrap a wire around the bent end of the paper clip.

3. Making current audible

Now insert the plug of a headphone between the cable and the paper clip. You cannot see whether a small current is flowing, but you can make the current flow audible. Put the headphones in your ears and listen carefully: Does it crackle? Can other fruits also conduct electricity? Try it out!