Galvanized nails are standard nails that have a zinc coating. [3] X Research source They can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store. Use a fresh potato as the experiment depends upon the juices inside the potato. [4] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source
Some juice will come out of the potato during this step, but that’s okay. Cover your work surface with plastic or newspaper to avoid getting potato juice everywhere.
If the nails do end up touching, simply reposition them so they are no longer touching. The distance between the nails does not need to be exactly one inch, but you want them to be close together.
Some voltmeters have black and yellow leads instead of black and red. In this case, use the yellow lead for this step.
Make sure the alligator clip is securely attached to both the nail and the lead.
If the voltage is very low, try moving the nails closer together. Again, make sure they are not touching within the potato.
Galvanized nails are regular nails that have a zinc coating that is necessary for this experiment. They can be found at a standard hardware or home improvement store. Copper coins, if needed, can also be found at a standard hardware or home improvement store. It doesn’t matter what color your alligator clip leads are as long as they have clips on both ends. Use firm and fresh potatoes. The liquid in the potatoes is necessary for this experiment, so dried out potatoes will not work. [10] X Research source Remove the battery from the clock before you begin.
Some potato juice may leak out while doing this, but it will not affect the experiment. To make cleanup easier at the end, cover your work surface with newspaper or a plastic bag.
At this point, each potato should have one galvanized nail and one copper coin inserted about an inch apart from each other. The exact distance between the nails is not important, you just want them to be close together without touching.
Finishing this step, the two potatoes should be attached to each other and the clock. Check to make sure that all of your clips are securely attached.
Make sure the clip is securely attached to the nail and the battery box. This makes the first connection in the circuit for the battery.
Again, make sure to clip the leads on securely. At this point, each potato should be connected to the clock, but not to each other. One wire should be attached to the copper coin on one potato and a second wire should be attached to the galvanized nail on the second potato.
If it still isn’t working, try reversing the leads. Make sure you are also using fresh potatoes. When you’re finished, remove the leads connecting the potatoes and reinstall the battery into the clock.
