How to get Copper and Zinc
Most recent answer: 10/22/2007
Q:
Any idea where I can buy strips of zink and copper for a lemon battery for my daugther’s science provect?
Thanks
- Steve Vallespir
Belle Mead NJ USA
- Steve Vallespir
Belle Mead NJ USA
A:
Steve -
You should be able to find at least copper and probably zinc wire at your local hardware store. If you can’t find the copper wire, you can supposedly use a penny. But I’ve heard of a lot of people having trouble with this, since there’s only a little bit of copper in pennies. As for the zinc, zinc wire is best, but you can also use a galvanized nail. These nails are made with a zinc coating, so they’re almost as good as the wire. You can also find strips of zinc in the casing of older D batteries - just make sure you’re careful about taking them out.
-Tamara
You should be able to find at least copper and probably zinc wire at your local hardware store. If you can’t find the copper wire, you can supposedly use a penny. But I’ve heard of a lot of people having trouble with this, since there’s only a little bit of copper in pennies. As for the zinc, zinc wire is best, but you can also use a galvanized nail. These nails are made with a zinc coating, so they’re almost as good as the wire. You can also find strips of zinc in the casing of older D batteries - just make sure you’re careful about taking them out.
-Tamara
(published on 10/22/2007)