In this lesson students will explore the chemical reaction that occurs within a lead-acid car battery and the role of the battery within a car prior to creating their own batteries.
How can I help students learn about lead-acid batteries?
Be sure to label the experiment items, such as the galvanized nails as having zinc in them. It may be helpful to guide the students back to the idea of the lead-acid battery and to remind them of what types of materials are the best conductors of electricity. A brief tutorial on how to use a multimeter may be necessary.
How do you teach students about batteries?
Have the students brainstorm where those materials might be found on earth. Explain that the students will be working in groups to learn more about the raw materials that make up different types of batteries: lead-acid, alkaline, nickel-cadmium, zinc-carbon, lithium-ion. Place the students into groups of three or four students.
Hyperphysics website containing diagrams of the chemical reactions occurring in a lead acid battery. Kinds of Energy website provides an atomic diagram of the movement of electrons. Lead Acid Battery website provides an inside view of a lead acid battery.
Why is it important for students to understand a battery?
It is also important for students to understand that a battery consists of a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte. Elaborate: Now that the students understand that a chemical reaction takes place in a battery, which enables electrons to move and cause an electric current, it is time for them to experiment.
What is the anatomy of a battery webpage?
The Anatomy of a Battery webpage can be used to help students understand the primary parts of a battery. Ask the students to share their ideas about the materials that might be used to make batteries, both the inside and outside of the battery.
Where can I find information about a lead-acid battery?
The reaction that takes place between the acid and the metal should also be emphasized and can be explained using information from the Acids and Metals website. Similarly, the Aus-e-tute website provides detailed information about the chemical equations involved in the production of electricity from a lead-acid battery.