He had to mix vinegar and salt to make an electrolyte solution that would enable the electrolytes to pass through. He did 3 stacks - 4 of each coin, 8 of each, and 12 of each. And he was correct, the stack with 24 total coins produced the highest voltage. He used daddy's multimeter to measure the voltage. And just for fun, Papa gave us a small low voltage LED light to experiment with and see if we could get it to light up.
We ran two trials, well a few more really, but only two that we reported, and the data was different. Jacob learned, with some help from one of daddy's co-workers, that the difference in voltage readings could be due to the current not flowing exactly the same since the coins are not completely flat. If they don't make a good connection, the voltage won't be as high.
For the fair today, Jacob built another coin battery (we couldn't save the old one because the electrolyte solution dries and it stops working) to show the judges and have on display. I helped him get everything set up and made sure he had the multimeter and the LED light working. Then parents have to leave. The kids are left to face the judges completely alone. They are questioned by 3 judges, are expected to be able to explain their project and answer any questions. I took the two others and we went to waste an hour or so playing at the museum.
After the judging was over, I reclaimed Jacob and we headed for a quick lunch break. That was when he broke the news that the multimeter's batteries died. Great, I thought, there went his chance of winning. He told me one judge got to see it working, then they found some batteries to let him use to show the other two judges. Whew, crisis avoided and I felt much better. He said that he was able to show the judges the voltage, the LED light, and explain about why his experiment had different data for the two trials.
On to the awards! There were not as many participants this year, probably less than half of what there was last year. There were five in his age group, ages 6 to 9 years. Out of those five kids, Jacob won first place!!! He was so proud of himself and we were both proud of him!! He decided all the hard work and effort was worth it.
Jacob mixing the salt for the electrolyte solution.
Wetting the paper towel pieces that go in between the coins
Helping Daddy measure the voltage
Yea, it lights up!
The finished project - Money Power
At the fair setting up
Testing to make sure it's working
The winners for ages 6 - 9 years
First Place!!!
2 comments:
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How great is that! He is one smart little cookie. You are doing a great job Melissa!!
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