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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2001  > April  >
In the Classroom
Observations on Lemon Cells
Jerry Goodisman
Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244-4100
Cover
April 2001
Vol. 78 No. 4
p. 516
Abstract
The lemon cell, consisting of pieces of two different metals stuck into a lemon or other fruit, is pictured in many general chemistry textbooks without being discussed. We describe simple experiments, suitable for the general chemistry laboratory, which elucidate how this kind of cell works. They show that (i) the cell is not two metal-metal ion half cells, and (ii) the cell reaction involves dissolution of the more active metal and generation of hydrogen on the less active metal. Why the cell works this way is explained, and the cell's historical importance is discussed.
More Information
*  Citation
 Goodisman, Jerry. J. Chem. Educ. 2001 78 516.
*  Keywords
 CER Misconceptions; Electrochemistry; Metals; Zinc; Introductory / High School Chemistry
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 March 2, 2001
August 31, 2005
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