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

3

The Potato BatteryHow 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 BatteryTo 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!