By Roxanne McHenry | Updated Mar 24, 2022
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Lemons produce electricity because the citric acid in their juice acts as an electrolyte. By inserting a copper electrode and a zinc or galvanized nail electrode into the fruit, a basic voltaic cell is created. The resulting chemical reaction generates a small electric current that can power low‑drain devices.
Gently roll the lemon on a hard surface to release the juice inside without breaking the skin.
Push a 2‑inch piece of copper wire or a copper penny about ½ inch through the lemon’s skin. If you don’t have copper wire, cut a small slit with a knife and insert the penny.
Insert a galvanized nail or a steel paper clip into the lemon as close to the copper electrode as possible without touching it.
Place the tips of the copper wire and the nail (or paper clip) on your tongue. A faint tingling sensation indicates that the cell is producing a current.
If you have a multimeter, attach the red lead to the copper electrode and the black lead to the zinc electrode. A typical lemon battery yields around 0.9 V.
Switch to a pure copper wire if the penny doesn’t work. Connect multiple lemons in series to increase voltage—enough to light an LED or power a digital watch.
Do not perform this experiment with children under 5 years old, as small metal parts can pose a choking hazard.
