Spud-Power Mark Rad AP Physics 1 Mr. L. Küffer

Electricity In Potatoes? Not exactly… Electrochemical cell Movement of electrons spontaneously Adding more potatoes in series gives a higher voltage Adding more potatoes in parallel gives a higher current

Boiled vs Fresh ▪ Why does a potato “give off more” electricity when cooked/boiled? It all has to deal with resistance. There is not MORE movement of ions, but less of a resistance in the path. The heavy starches are broken down and movement becomes easier. Almost like chewing. Fresh potatoes generally have more of an internal resistance than cooked potatoes.

Series Voltages add Current stays the same

Parallel Voltages stay the same Current adds

Series+Parallel You need double the batteries Both current and voltage increase

Kirchhoff’s Laws Law #1 The sum of currents entering a junction is equal to the sum of currents leaving a junction.

Kirchhoff’s Laws Law #2 The sum of electromotive force in a closed circuit is directly equal to the sum of the potential drops (voltage) of the circuit.

Ohm ▪ Ohm’s Law The current flow through a conductor is directly proportional with the potential difference of the conductor.

Getting the LED to light