SARASWATI VIDYA MANDIR

INTER COLLEGE
DEFENCE COLONY , KANPUR

SESSION – 2025-26
CHEMISTRY
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
TOPIC – Cell(lemon/Saltwater Battery)

Submitted To
Submitted by
Aditya Chauhan Sakshi Mishra

Class 12th A
 PROLOGUE
NAME : ADITYA CHAUHAN

SUBJECT - CHEMISTRY

CLASS – 12TH

ROLL NO –

SCHOOL – SARASWATI VIDYA MANDIR

INTER COLLEGE

SESSOIN – 2025-26
 INDEX
• PROLOGUE
• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
• CERTIFICATE
• INTRODUCTION
• EXPERIMENT
• SAFTEY CONCIDERATION
• CONCLUSION
• BIOGRAPHY
• SOURCES
• THANK YOU
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I, Aditya Chauhan, a student of class [Your
Class/Grade], sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude
to
Ms. Sakshi Mishra, my Chemistry teacher, for her
valuable guidance, encouragement, and constant
support throughout the course of this investigatory
project titled
"Cell (Lemon / Saltwater Battery)"
Her expert supervision, insightful feedback,
and keen interest in my project helped me
understand the concepts more clearly and
motivated me to explore the fascinating world
of electrochemistry. I would also like to thank
my school and the laboratory staff for
providing the necessary facilities and resources
for successful completion of this project.
Lastly, I extend my thanks to my family and
friends who supported me during this project
and encouraged me to give my best.
Aditya Chauhan
Academic Year:
2025–26
 CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the investigatory project titled
"Cell (Lemon / Saltwater Battery)"
has been successfully completed by Aditya Chauhan, a student
of Class 12th, during the academic year 2025–26, under the
guidance and
supervision of Ms. Sakshi Mishra, Chemistry teacher.
The project embodies his own work, investigation, and analysis
carried out with sincerity and dedication. It is submitted as a part
of the
requirement for the Chemistry practical evaluation, in accordance
with the guidelines prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE).

EXTERNAL EXAMINER
SIGNATURE

INTERNAL EXAMINER
SIGNATURE

PRINCIPAL’S
SIGNATURE
 INTRODUCTION
In today’s world, energy is the backbone of technological
advancement and modern living. With the increasing demand
for clean, renewable, and cost-effective energy sources,
scientists and students alike are exploring alternative
methods for generating electricity in simple, sustainable
ways. One such
fascinating concept is the electrochemical cell—a device
that converts chemical energy into electrical energy
through redox (oxidation-reduction) reactions.
This investigatory project focuses on the creation and
functioning of a basic electrochemical cell using lemon juice
or saltwater as an electrolyte, commonly known as a Lemon
Battery or Saltwater Battery. These cells are simple,
environmentally friendly, and serve as a powerful
demonstration of fundamental
electrochemical principles in action. Despite their simplicity,
they illustrate key concepts such as ion exchange, potential
difference, electrode reactivity, and circuit completion,
which form the
foundation of electrochemistry and battery technology.
 In this project, materials that are easily available—such
as lemons, saltwater, copper wires, and zinc nails or
galvanized
iron—are used to build a working battery. When these
materials are connected properly, they create a flow of
electrons, thereby generating a small amount of electrical
current. This In today’s world, energy is the backbone of
technological advancement and modern living. With the
increasing demand for clean, renewable, and cost-effective
energy sources, scientists and students alike are exploring
alternative methods for generating electricity in simple,
sustainable ways.

This investigatory project focuses on the creation and

functioning of a basic electrochemical cell using lemon juice
or saltwater as an electrolyte, commonly known as a Lemon
Battery or Saltwater Battery. These cells are simple,
environmentally friendly, and serve as a powerful
demonstration of fundamental
 electrochemical principles in action. Despite their simplicity,
they illustrate key concepts such as ion exchange, potential
difference, electrode reactivity, and circuit completion,
which form the
foundation of electrochemistry and battery technology.
In this project, materials that are easily available—such
as lemons, saltwater, copper wires, and zinc nails or
galvanized
iron—are used to build a working battery. When these
materials are connected properly, they create a flow of
electrons, thereby generating a small amount of electrical
current. This demonstrates how electrochemical cells work in
real-life conditions without
relying on commercial batteries or complicated setups.

The lemon battery operates by using the citric acid present in

lemon juice as the electrolyte. When a zinc electrode (like a
nail) and a copper electrode (like a coin or wire) are inserted
into the lemon, the zinc undergoes oxidation (loses electrons),
while the copper serves as the site for reduction (gains
electrons). This difference in electron potential causes a flow
of electrons through an external wire, thereby producing
electricity. Similarly, in a saltwater battery, the salt solution
 acts as the electrolyte,
facilitating ion flow between electrodes to create a charge.

Although the voltage produced by a single lemon or saltwater cell

is small (typically around 0.G to 1.1 volts), multiple cells can be
connected in series to increase the total voltage. This concept
mimics how real-world batteries are made—by combining
multiple cells to achieve the desired output.
The aim of this project is not only to construct a working fruit
or saltwater battery but also to understand the chemistry
behind its functioning, measure the output under various
conditions, compare different electrolytes, and explore its
potential
applications and limitations. It promotes eco-friendly
innovation, scientific thinking, and deeper insight into the
principles of green energy and electrochemistry.
Through this project, we learn how even the simplest
substances can power small devices like LEDs or digital clocks,
proving that chemistry has practical applications far beyond
the textbook. It opens the door to rethinking how we generate
and use electricity in a world that increasingly values
sustainability.
 conditions without relying on commercial
batteries or complicated setups.

The lemon battery operates by using the citric acid present in

lemon juice as the electrolyte. When a zinc electrode (like a
nail) and a copper electrode (like a coin or wire) are inserted
into the lemon, the zinc undergoes oxidation (loses
electrons), while the copper serves as the site for reduction
(gains electrons). This difference in electron potential causes
a flow of electrons through an external wire, thereby
producing electricity. Similarly, in a saltwater battery, the salt
solution acts as the electrolyte,
facilitating ion flow between electrodes to create a charge.
Although the voltage produced by a single lemon or saltwater
cell is small (typically around 0.G to 1.1 volts), multiple cells
can be connected in series to increase the total voltage.
This concept
mimics how real-world batteries are made—by combining
multiple cells to achieve the desired output.
The aim of this project is not only to construct a working fruit or
saltwater battery but also to understand the chemistry behind
its functioning, measure the output under various conditions,
compare different electrolytes, and explore its potential
applications and limitations. It promotes eco-friendly
innovation, scientific thinking, and deeper insight into the
principles of green energy and electrochemistry.
Through this project, we learn how even the simplest
substances can power small devices like LEDs or digital clocks,
proving that chemistry has practical applications far beyond
the textbook. It opens the door to rethinking how we generate
and use electricity in a world that increasingly values
sustainability.
 EXPERIMENT
Experiment No. 1 – Lemon Battery
Aim:
To create an electrochemical cell using lemon and
measure the voltage produced.
Materials:
• 3 lemons
• 3 zinc nails
• 3 copper coins or wires
• Connecting wires with alligator clips
• Multimeter
• LED
bulb
Procedure:
1. Roll each lemon on a table to soften them and
increase juice flow.
2. Insert one zinc nail and one copper coin into
each lemon about 2–3 cm apart (do not let them
touch).
3. Connect the copper of the first lemon to the zinc of
 the next using connecting wires.
4. Repeat the connection so all lemons are connected in
series.
5. Use a multimeter to measure the total voltage across
the first zinc and last copper.
6. Connect an LED bulb to test if the battery can power it.
Observation:
• Voltage of one lemon = approx. 0.G V
• 3 lemons in series = approx. 2.7 V
• LED glowed dimly when 3 lemons were connected.
 Experiment No. 2 – Saltwater Battery
Aim:
To create an electrochemical cell using saltwater and
measure its electrical output.
Materials:
• 3 beakers or plastic cups
• Saltwater solution (2 tbsp salt in 100 ml water)
• 3 zinc nails
• 3 copper wires or plates
• Connecting wires
• Multimeter
• LED bulb
Procedure:
1. Fill each beaker with saltwater solution.
2. Place a zinc nail and copper wire in each cup (do not
touch).
3. Connect the copper of one cell to the zinc of the next
(series connection).
4. Use a multimeter to check voltage and current.
5. Try lighting an LED bulb.
Observation:
• Voltage of one cell = approx. 0.7 V
• 3 cells in series = approx. 2.1 V
• LED glowed faintly or flickered.
 SAFTEY CONCIDERATION
Though the Lemon/Saltwater Battery experiment is
simple and uses household materials, basic safety
measures must still be followed to ensure safe handling
and accurate
results:
1. Handling Metals: Be careful while inserting zinc
nails and copper wires into lemons or beakers.
These may have sharp edges and can cause
injury.
2. Electrical Safety: While the voltage is low, avoid
short- circuiting wires. Always handle electrical
components like multimeters with dry hands.
3. Chemical Precaution: Lemon juice contains citric
acid and saltwater is mildly corrosive. Avoid
contact with eyes or broken skin. Wash hands after
the experiment.
4. Clean Workspace: Conduct the experiment on a
clean, dry surface. Wipe any spills immediately to
avoid slipping or surface damage.
5. Proper Disposal: Dispose of used lemons and
saltwater in the bio-waste bin. Clean and store
metal parts for future use or recycling.
 CONCLUSION
Through this project, the working of a simple
electrochemical cell using everyday materials like
lemons and saltwater was successfully demonstrated.
The experiment showed that when zinc and copper
electrodes are inserted into an acidic or saline
electrolyte, a chemical reaction occurs that produces a
small amount of electric current.
Both lemon and saltwater cells were able to generate
voltage, with lemon batteries performing slightly better
due to the natural citric acid content. The project
helped in understanding key electrochemistry
concepts such as
redox reactions, ion flow, and voltage generation.
Although the power output is low, the project highlights
the potential of eco-friendly and alternative energy
sources.
It also promotes scientific thinking, creativity, and
practical application of theoretical knowledge. This
investigation not only reinforced the principles of
electrochemical cells but
also encouraged sustainable and low-cost energy
solutions.
 BIOGRAPHY
My name is Aditya Chauhan, a student of Class 12th at
[Your School Name], pursuing the Science stream with a
keen interest in Chemistry and environmental science. I
have
always been curious about how scientific principles apply
to real life, especially in the field of energy and
sustainability.
This investigatory project, titled "Cell (Lemon / Saltwater
Battery)," was an opportunity for me to explore the basics
of electrochemistry and understand how simple materials
can be used to produce electricity. It allowed me to apply
theoretical concepts in a practical setting, and also
highlighted the importance of eco-friendly and alternative
energy sources in today’s world.
I am deeply grateful to my Chemistry teacher, Ms.
Sakshi Mishra, for her guidance and encouragement
throughout the project. This experience has not only
enhanced my scientific understanding but also
inspired me to pursue further learning in the field of
green technology and innovation.
 SOURCES
1. NCERT Chemistry Textbook – Class 12, Part I s II
(Electrochemistry Chapter for theoretical
concepts)
2. CBSE Practical Guidelines – Class 12
Chemistry (For format and project
structure)
3. www.sciencebuddies.org
(For reference on lemon battery and saltwater cell
experiments)
4. www.toppr.com
(For simplified concepts of electrochemical cells)
5. YouTube Channels:
o Learn Engineering – “How Batteries Work”
o Science Projects by Arvind Gupta –“Lemon
Battery Demonstration”
6. Wikipedia.org – Electrochemical Cell and
Lemon Battery
(For basic definitions and history)
 THANK YOU

I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone

who supported me during the completion of this
investigatory project.
A special note of gratitude to Ms. Sakshi Mishra, my
Chemistry teacher, for her valuable guidance,
encouragement, and continuous support throughout this
project.
I also thank my school, laboratory staff, classmates,
friends, and family members for their help, motivation,
and cooperation at various stages of the project.
Their support played a vital role in making this project a
successful and enriching learning experience.