To demonstrate the electrical conductivity of a pickle.
Materials:
2 metal forks
Alligator clip cables
Electrical cord with a plug at one end and bare wires at the other (This is a crazy dangerous piece of equipment. An equivalent-voltage power supply is better if you have it.)
Large glass petri dish
Whole jumbo pickle (at least 4 inches long)
Reagents:
High-proof ethanol (EtOH)
Hazards and PPE:
If using a 'death cable' instead of a power supply, it is recommended to use a surge protector for additional safety.
Wear approved safety goggles and gloves.
Protocol:
Preparation
Place the pickle on the petri dish.
Stick the forks into the pickle, parallel to each other, and about three inches apart.
Do not allow the forks to touch at any point.
Attach an alligator clip to the end of each fork, opposite the prongs.
Attach the other end of each alligator clip to the split ends of the electrical cord.
Demonstration
Plug the electrical cord into an electrical outlet.
The pickle will show a wavering yellowish glow in a few seconds. For best results, turn off the lights in the room.
Additional Notes:
Be very careful that the cord remains unplugged until everything is set. Then do not touch any of the metal parts until the cord is again unplugged.
The pickle can be stabilized on the bench by using a couple of toothpicks.
Disposal:
Pickle should be thrown into the trash.
Citations:
This demo adapted from the demo library of the Chemistry department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
