Fruit batteries, anyone?

2009/09/26

A ZESTY, citrus scent filled the laboratories and walkways of Taylor’s University College as 100 students squeezed, sliced and massaged citrus fruits to create batteries.

It was all part of the practical challenge which revolved around the topic Electricity And Fruit Batteries at the annual Taylor’s Science Competition 2009. The challenge required students to tap their knowledge of Biology, Chemistry and Physics in an Integrated Science experiment. They were required to use acidic or citrus fruits together with wires and metal foils (copper, magnesium and zinc) in a circuit combination that would generate the highest voltage and current. Taylor’s Foundation in Science programme coordinator Muralidharan Gopalakrishnan, who designed the practical challenge, says the experiment provides an overall perspective and deeper understanding of the scientific concepts and theories involved. In the first part of the challenge, students were required to answer 40 multiple choice questions on Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics in an hour. The scores from both challenges were added to determine the winners. The team from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seafield emerged overall champion. It won a laptop for the school, RM1,500, a trophy and certificates of recognition. The first and second runners-up were SMK Seri Bintang Utara and Hin Hua High School. They won RM1,000 and RM500 respectively. Both teams were also awarded trophies and certificates of recognition.

Students figuring out how to build their circuit.

Students constructing their circuit using a combination of lemons and limes, metal foils and wires.