Investigatory Project Report
Topic: Effect of Acidity on the Electrical Efficiency of Fruit Batteries
INDEX
1. Introduction
2. Working Principle
3. Theory
4. Circuit Diagram
5. Working
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography
1. INTRODUCTION
With increasing emphasis on renewable and eco-friendly energy sources, fruit batteries have
attracted interest as a simple yet effective way to generate electricity. A fruit battery uses the acidic
content of fruits (such as lemon, orange, and apple) as an electrolyte to produce voltage when
connected with metal electrodes (commonly zinc and copper). This project investigates how the
level of acidity (pH) in fruits affects the electrical efficiency of such fruit batteries, measured in terms
of voltage and current output.
2. WORKING PRINCIPLE
The fruit acts as an electrolyte, containing citric acid, ascorbic acid, or malic acid. Two electrodes of
different reactivity (e.g., zinc and copper) are inserted into the fruit. Due to difference in electrode
potentials, a redox reaction takes place. Electrons flow from zinc (anode) to copper (cathode). This
electron flow constitutes an electric current through an external circuit. Greater acidity (lower pH)
usually enhances ion mobility, thereby improving the efficiency of the fruit battery.
3. THEORY
Electrochemical Reaction: Zn → Zn²■ + 2e■ (Anode) ; 2H■ + 2e■ → H■ (Cathode). According to
Ohm’s Law, V = IR. Voltage depends on electrode potential difference, current depends on
resistance of electrolyte and circuit. Effect of pH: Lower pH (more acidic fruit like lemon) provides a
higher concentration of H■ ions. Higher H■ concentration facilitates redox reaction, resulting in
greater voltage output. Fruits with less acidity (e.g., apple) show weaker efficiency. Thus, efficiency
∝ acidity of fruit.
4. CIRCUIT DIAGRAM
Electrodes: Copper & Zinc strips. Electrolyte: Fruit pulp/juice. Load: LED bulb or voltmeter. [Zn
Electrode] → (Fruit Electrolyte) → [Cu Electrode] → Voltmeter/LED
5. WORKING
Insert zinc and copper electrodes into lemon, orange, and apple. Connect electrodes with wires to a
voltmeter/ammeter. Record the voltage and current produced for each fruit. Note the pH value of
each fruit. Compare readings: Lemon (pH ~2.0) → Highest voltage (~0.9–1.0 V). Orange (pH
~3.0–3.5) → Moderate voltage (~0.7–0.8 V). Apple (pH ~4.0–4.5) → Lowest voltage (~0.4–0.5 V).
6. CONCLUSION
The experiment demonstrates that the acidity of fruits directly affects the electrical efficiency of fruit
batteries. Highly acidic fruits like lemon yield the highest voltage and current. Moderately acidic
fruits like orange give average results. Less acidic fruits like apple generate the least energy. Thus,
greater acidity (lower pH) enhances ion conduction and redox efficiency, making fruit batteries a
potential eco-friendly power source for low-energy applications.
7. BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. NCERT Physics Class XII, Part II. 2. Halliday, Resnick & Walker – Fundamentals of Physics. 3.
Khan Academy – Electrochemistry. 4. CBSE Project Guidelines. 5. sciencedirect.com –
Electrochemistry basics.
Observation Table (Comparative)
Fruit Approx. pH Voltage (V) Current (mA) Efficiency Remark
Lemon 2.0
Orange 3.5
Apple 4.5
Graph
