GSC 1314 User manual

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GSC International
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 888.756.4592
[e-mail]
2076 James River Court
Nixa, Missouri 65714
Introduction
The Two Potato Clock is designed to demonstrate the principle of an
electrochemical cell. The LED clock runs on 2 potatoes, oranges,
grapefruits, or lemons. The potatoes are not included.
Specifications
Potato Holder: 6 cm H x 8.5 cm D
LED Display: 20 mm x 45 mm
Dimensions: 21.5 cm x 10 cm x 6.2 cm
Weight: 6.6 oz
Theory
A potato battery is an electrochemical battery, or an electrochemical
cell in which a chemical reaction occurs in a liquid between two
different metals. When a wire is placed to connect the metals, it
carries an electric current. An electrochemical cell converts chemical
energy to electric energy.
A battery can be made of many different combinations of metals and
liquids. The potato battery uses strips of Zinc and Copper in the
acidic juice to produce electric current. Although very small, the
current is sufficient to run a digital clock.
In order to obtain enough current to power the clock, we use two
potato cells and connect them in series (head to tail). Potatoes can
be substituted with oranges, grapefruits, lemons, or tomatoes
because these fruits also contain the acid for chemical reactions.
Two Potato Clock
#1314
Warning:
• Not a toy; use only
in a laboratory or
educational setting.
• California Proposition 65
Warning: This product can expose you to chemicals
including lead, which is known to the State of
California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other
reproductive harm. For more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Components:
1. Loose Wire 2. Copper Strip
3. Zinc Strip 4. Potato Holder
5. Clock

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Experiment
Powering the Clock
1. Place two potatoes in the potato holders, one on each side.
2. Insert the Zinc strip from the clock into the potato on the left.
3. Insert the Copper strip of the loose wire into the same potato, about 2 cm from the Zinc. The two strips
should not be in contact with each other. For the best result, keep the two strips parallel to each other.
4. Insert the other end of the loose wire- a Zinc strip - into the potato on the right. Insert the Copper strip from
the clock into the same potato, about 2 cm from the Zinc. Again, the two strips should not be in contact with
each other. For the best result, keep the two strips parallel to each other. The clock should be on now.
Setting the Clock
1. Press M once to activate the clock.
2. Press S twice. Month is displayed.
3. Press M repeatedly to change month. Press S once to set month.
4. Press M repeatedly to change day. Press S once to set day.
5. Press M repeatedly to change hour. Press S once to set hour.
6. Press M repeatedly to change minute. Press S once to set minute.
7. Press M to reactivate the clock.
8. To display date, press D once.
Maintenance
1. Keep the unit from heat, dust, and shock.
2. Use sand paper to remove the coating of the strips when they are oxidized.
3. After each use, remove the potatoes and clean the holder with a paper towel or clean cloth. Do not wash the
unit or put it in water.