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  • Subject Area

    • Science: Middle Grades Science: Energy
    • Science: Physical Science: Acids and Bases

  • Author

    Texas Instruments

  • Level

    6-8

  • Activity Time

    60 Minutes

  • Device
    • TI-73 Explorer™
  • Software

    TI Connect™

  • Applications
  • Accessories

    CBL™/CBL 2™
    Sensor - Voltage

  • Other Materials
      This is Activity 5 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
      Activities for Middle Grades Science with the CBL 2™ and TI-73.

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • Electrolyte (liquid samples
    • Liquid containers (50 ml beakers)
    • Electrodes(2 inch copper and 2 inch magnesium strips)
    • Distilled water for rinse water
    • Beaker or container for rinse water
    • Wires and alligator clips
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Electrolytes: Which Liquid Produces the Most Volts?

Activity Overview

In this activity, students' will use a Voltage Sensor to measure the voltage produced by an electrolyte. They will understand that acids and bases are electrolytes and compare voltages of acids to the voltages of bases. Students' will test liquid and determine if they are acids, neutrals, or bases.

Before the Activity

  • Connect the TI-73 Explorer™ to the CBL™ unit
  • Connect the voltage sensor to Channel 1 in the CBL™ unit
  • Download DataMate™ program
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 41 - 46 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

  • Complete the Hypothesis section on the Data Collection and Analysis page and based on the pH value predict which acid and base will produce the highest voltage


  • Follow the Activity procedures:
  • Put the test liquid in a container
  • Place the electrodes in the liquid
  • Attach the black and red leads to the electrodes
  • Measure the voltage of the electrolyte
  • Measure the voltage for the other sample liquids
  • Repeat the activity using different combiations of electrodes
  • Identify the liquid that produced the highest voltage
  • After the Activity

    Students' will complete Student Data Collection and Analysis Sheet.

    Review student results

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary