Vinegar and Salt (VSALT) Solution and Its Reaction to Copper Wire and Zinc Nails: Basis for the Development of a Vsalt Cell

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is situated in a number of potential sources of electricity, yet many Filipinos do not have access to it, especially the remote areas. As response to this social crisis, purchasing of battery helps them to still operate their devices while spending too much on their budget. Moreover, the improper disposal of batteries contributes to air pollution as well as land and water contamination. These social concerns led the researchers to study the feasibility of vinegar and salt solution and its reaction to copper wire and zinc nails as basis for the development of a VSALT Cell, which is less harmful to both humans and environment.

METHODS

This study utilized a true experimental research design, which is regarded as the most accurate form of experimental research that tries to prove or disprove a hypothesis mathematically. The researchers collected materials needed for the development of the VSALT cell, namely the vinegar, salt, copper wire, and zinc nails. Vinegar and salt were mixed with different concentrations. The researchers prepared five sets of empty beakers with two metals attached. Each beaker contained copper and zinc and filled with the varying concentration of the solution. A multi-meter was connected at both ends of the metal and as it read the voltage, the data were recorded in an observation sheet.

RESULTS

The vinegar and salt solution yields Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) and Sodium Acetate (CH3NOONa), which are the common electrolytes used in a battery . Different amount of voltages were obtained from varying concentration of the solution: at 0.57 Molar, 4.5 volts is generated;1.13 Molar produced 4.6 volts; 1.70 Molar drawn 4.7 volts; 2.27 Molar projected 4.8 volts and 4.9 volts is obtained by 2.87 Molar of the VSALT Solution. In addition, through the utilization of the Pearson R Correlation, the computed coefficient r value states that there is a significant relationship between the voltages measured and the varying concentrations that indicates that the higher the molarity of the solution, the greater the amount of voltage it generates.

DISCUSSIONS

This implies that the solution of vinegar and salt and its reaction to copper wire and zinc nails can be a possible source of electricity in a form of a battery. Thus, it can also be accessed by anyone since the materials are easy to find. On the other hand, the researchers recommend to increase the concentration of the solution to further attain higher amount of voltage that can be used in a large scale setups.