Activity Sheet 4: Voltaic Cells

Purpose:
To determine how the number of chemical cells is related to the voltage of Volta's pile.

Materials:
plastic holder, square pieces of two different metals, cardboard, salt water or 8 oz. cup of vinegar, voltmeter.

Method:
Follow these three steps to construct the cells in the chemical cell:

1. Place the materials in the following order: one metal strip, a cardboard strip soaked in salt water or vinegar, and a second metal strip. Connect the materials together with a rubber band. The three layers make up one cell.
2. Measure and record the voltage across the chemical cell.
   
   
3. Construct at least two more cells using different combinations of two electrodes. Measure the voltage across the cell.

Data Analysis:
Construct a table with four columns: Type of Electrodes, Number of Cells, Electrolyte, Voltage. Record the voltage of the different cells.

1. Explain how the different electrodes affect the voltage of the cell. Which cell has the most potential voltage?
   
   
   
2. Compare your data with that of other groups. Besides the type of electrode, suggest other variables which may affect the voltage.

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