Most people take the simple convenience of electricity and light for granted. Each month, we pay our electricity bill and we are done with it. For some parts of the world, this convenience would be a luxury, and researchers are working tirelessly to figure out a simple, cheap way to produce electricity. Did you know that a surprisingly powerful light can be created with a potato? Yes, you heard me correctly. The amazing thing is that the lamp can last up to a month if built properly.
Haim Rabinowitch, a professor of science at the University of Jerusalem, figured out a way to do it and is telling the world how it's made.
Let's take a look.....
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Who knew that the random bag of potatoes you have hiding in your pantry could be used to produce electricity?
Okay, obviously this is super weird, but there are a few things you have to do with the potato before it spontaneously produces enough electricity to light a room for a month.
Haim Rabinowitch, the lead scientist who is revolutionizing the potato battery, says that first you have to boil the potato for eight minutes.
The process of boiling boosts the electricity-producing potential of the potato by as much as ten times compared to a raw spud. Once it's boiled, the potato can produce about half as much electricity as a commercial AA battery.
Energy can be released from the potato by attaching two pieces of metal to two cut potato halves.
Two electrodes and alligator clips are needed to unlock the potato's power. Surprisingly, you don't need much else.
Rabinowitch explained in an interview why he thinks the potato light could be a big deal for under developed nations...
Rabinowitch believes that the simple method may be a way to provide light for millions of people.
Given that potatoes are one of the world's most important and highly-produced crops, it may be easier than other methods if electricity is needed.
The developed world takes the simple convenience of light for granted, but in many underdeveloped parts of the world, the potato battery/light may be a godsend.
Here's one such potato light!
As you can see, multiple potatoes can also be used to boost electricity production. Researchers say that potato batteries produce electricity that is between 5 and 50 times cheaper than the commercial equivalent. Incredible!
Check out this video showcasing this incredible method and Rabinowitch discussing what he believes are the potential benefits of the potato battery.
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