Observations on Lemon Cells

• Jerry Goodisman ^[1]
  1. [1] Syracuse University

     Syracuse University

     City of Syracuse, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 78, Nº 4, 2001, pág. 516
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • The lemon cell, consisting of pieces of two different metals stuck into a lemon or other fruit, is pictured in many general chemistry textbooks without being discussed. We describe simple experiments, suitable for the general chemistry laboratory, which elucidate how this kind of cell works. They show that (i) the cell is not two metal-metal ion half cells, and (ii) the cell reaction involves dissolution of the more active metal and generation of hydrogen on the less active metal. Why the cell works this way is explained, and the cell's historical importance is discussed.