Science Projects for Testing Voltage
- Test the effect of electrodes on voltage. Find out what materials deliver the highest amount of voltage and describe it. This experiment requires copper, zinc and lead sheets and zinc nitrate, copper nitrate and lead nitrate solutions. The materials are set up in a beaker using a porous cup connected to a voltmeter by wires. Each metal is tested in its respective solution and the data is recorded. Topics for discussion on the project could include which type of metal resulted in the highest voltage or which type of metal a manufacturing company would use in regard to cost effectiveness as well as highest voltage. Remember to provide goggles and gloves to your students as well as encourage them to take plenty of pictures to add to the science project.
- Batteries are made using two different types of electrodes and one electrolyte. Copper and zinc electrodes and sulfuric acid electrolytes are a common reaction that conducts electricity. For this experiment, students can test to see if the liquid juice in a fresh potato can act as an electrolyte and produce voltage. Test this by inserting copper and zinc electrodes into the potato. Attach clip leads from a voltmeter to the electrodes. Have students record the results. If desired, encourage students to try testing the voltages of other juicy vegetables or fruits and compare the results.
- Create a wind turbine at different angles and determine which angles result in the highest voltage. A wind turbine is a machine that generates electricity from wind and is an environmental and cost-effective device. The project setup includes placing a wind generator in front of a fan at different angles, such as at 0-, 30-, 45- and 90-degree angles, and taking measurements with a multimeter or voltmeter. The results should indicate the 0 degree angle having the highest voltage output. Consult the following website for how to construct a homemade wind generator: otherpower.com/toymill.html#chispito.
- Students can test the voltage and current of electricity with a multimeter and a battery. Using the multimeter, select DC volts and touch one of the probes to the end of different battery types, such as AA, AAA, C or D. Record the results. Then short out each of the batteries by leaving the probes on the ends of the battery. Record the results, as the voltages should have decreased. Repeat this experiment for recording the current, which is selected in the multimeter as DC mA. Record the results. In addition, two graphs should be made exhibiting the types of voltages and currents for each type of battery.
