Podcast Summary
Lemon battery experiment: The lemon battery experiment is a simple yet effective way to teach kids about electricity and the potential for clean and renewable energy sources
Even simple experiments, like building a lemon battery, can teach us valuable lessons about science and the potential for clean energy. Bolin Branch, a supporter of NPR, encourages listeners to start the fall season with their organic cotton sheets, offering a discount and free shipping with the code NPR. During this episode of "Back to School," host Emily Kwong delves deeper into the concept of batteries, specifically discussing the lemon battery experiment. Inspired by a listener question from Violet Thomas in Alaska, this episode brings back memories of science class and the excitement of generating electricity from a lemon. Janelle Fortunato, a postdoc researcher at North Carolina State University, shares her experience teaching kids about lemon batteries. She notes that these experiments capture the attention of middle schoolers, leading to chaotic and engaging learning experiences. While the lemon battery may seem like a simple experiment, it serves as a reminder of the potential for clean and renewable energy sources. As we continue to explore and innovate in the field of energy production, we can draw inspiration from these basic scientific principles. So, embrace the excitement of learning and the potential for a greener future.
Lemon Battery Experiment: The lemon battery experiment is a simple yet effective science project that showcases young minds' curiosity and problem-solving abilities using readily available materials.
Inspiring and innovative nature of young minds, as demonstrated through the classic lemon battery experiment. This simple yet effective science experiment, which involves turning a lemon into a battery using a copper penny, showcases the curiosity and problem-solving abilities of students. The experiment's accessibility, using readily available materials from a grocery store and a hobby shop, makes it an excellent choice for teachers and parents looking to engage young learners in science. Furthermore, the lemon battery experiment serves as a reminder of the importance of encouraging curiosity and exploration, even within the boundaries of safety guidelines. So, the next time life gives you lemons, consider using them to build a battery and unlock the power of scientific discovery.
Electron flow in batteries: Batteries generate electricity through a chemical reaction, causing electrons to flow from a negative terminal to a positive terminal, which powers devices
Electricity is the flow of electrons through a circuit, and it's generated through a chemical reaction, like in a lemon or a household battery. The lemon acts as a simple battery with the help of a copper penny and a zinc-coated nail. The zinc nail reacts with the lemon juice, giving up electrons and becoming negatively charged, while the copper penny accepts these electrons and becomes positively charged. This charge difference creates a flow of electrons when a wire is connected between the two. Essentially, it's the electrons' world, and we're just living in it, utilizing their energy to power our devices and screens.
Lemon Battery: Lemons can generate a small electrical current through a redox reaction, but it's a low-power, single-use system and impractical for powering devices compared to modern batteries
Lemons, and other acidic substances, can create a simple electrical current through a process called a redox reaction. In this reaction, electrons travel from the lemon (or other acidic substance) through a conductor, like a copper penny, to an electrode, such as a nail, which then becomes positively charged. The electrons then return to the lemon, forming hydrogen gas bubbles in the process. This reaction can be used to power small devices, but it's important to note that it's a low-power, single-use system. For example, it would take 50,000 lemons to power an iPhone 11 Pro Max for a day. Modern batteries, on the other hand, are powerful, long-lasting, and rechargeable, making them a more practical solution for powering our devices.
Battery revolution with sustainability: The battery revolution is focused on creating efficient and sustainable batteries using abundant and recyclable materials, inspired by natural resources like lemons, for a long-term source and sustainable future.
The world is in the midst of a battery revolution, with advancements being made every year to create more efficient and sustainable batteries. Traditional batteries, such as AA batteries, have limitations when it comes to sustainability and toxicity. However, natural resources like lemons, which are non-toxic and compostable, can serve as inspiration for creating batteries with sustainability in mind. The goal is to use abundant and recyclable materials for battery designs and materials, ensuring a long-term source for battery production. The focus should be on creating efficient and sustainable batteries, rather than relying on finite resources or non-recyclable materials. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures a sustainable future for battery technology.
Evolution of interests, Women in music: Our interests and perspectives can change over time, but some passions, like appreciation for music and women's contributions to it, remain constant. NPR's podcast Wild Card and book How Women Made Music explore these ideas.
Our perspectives and interests can evolve over time, but some things, like our love for dressing ourselves, remain constant. This idea is explored in NPR's new podcast, Wild Card, where guests like comedian Jenny Slate reflect on their lives and the things they value differently now than they did a decade ago. Meanwhile, NPR's new book, How Women Made Music, celebrates the enduring impact of women in music history. From Beyoncé to Odetta, Joan Jett to Dolly Parton, this comprehensive book features interviews, original writing, illustrations, photos, and more. Whether you prefer listening to podcasts or reading books, there's a way to engage with these thought-provoking and inspiring stories. Visit npr.org/How-Women-Made-Music to pre-order the book or subscribe to the Wild Card podcast wherever you get your podcasts.