Activity Overview
In this activity, students' explore how an electrochemical cell works. They use a Voltage Sensor to measure the electrical energy produced when the distance between the elctrodes is varied. They also determine the factors that affect the voltage of an electrochemical cell.
Before the Activity
Connect the TI-73 to the CBL™ unit
Plug the voltage sensor in channel 1 on the CBL 2
Download DataMate™ program
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 25 - 29 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 predict if varying the distance of the electrodes on a fruit or vegetable change the voltage
Follow the Activity procedures:
Cut slits in one fruit or vegetable ranging from 1 to 6 cm apart
Insert a zinc strip in one slit and a copper strip into the other slit
Attach the positive lead to the copper strip and negative lead to the zinc strip
Measure the voltage across the fruit or vegetable
Record the distance between the electrodes
Repeat the process for each distance and measure the voltage
Repeat the activity with other fruits and vegetables
Graph readings of voltage versus distance
Understand how electrochemical cells work and how as the distance between the electrodes increases the voltage decreases
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