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You will need a copper sheet measuring approximately 30 cm by 15 cm, two spring clips, a sensitive micro-ammeter capable of reading between 10 to 50 microamps, a large transparent plastic bottle (with a capacity of at least 2 liters), a 2-liter mineral water bottle, salt, tap water, sandpaper, and a metal sheet cutter.
Step-by-Step Instructions Step 1: Creating Cuprous OxideBegin by cutting a piece of copper that matches the size of your electric stove's heating element. Make sure your hands are clean and free of grease or oils before handling the copper. Wash the copper sheet thoroughly with soap or detergent to remove any dirt or oil. Use sandpaper to polish the surface and eliminate any sulfides or corrosion on the copper.
Place the cleaned and dried copper sheet on the electric stove and turn it on at maximum power. As the copper heats up, you'll notice the formation of a colorful oxide layer—starting with shades of orange, purple, and red.
As the temperature increases further, the color changes to black, which is actually cupric oxide. This is not the desired layer. Once the black oxide forms, it will begin to peel away, revealing the beautiful cuprous oxide beneath.
Continue heating the copper for about 30 minutes, allowing the black oxide layer to thicken. This step is crucial because a thicker oxide layer peels off more easily than a thin one. After this time, turn off the stove and let the copper cool slowly. Rapid cooling can cause the oxide to stick to the copper, making removal difficult.
As the copper cools, it contracts, causing the black oxide to flake off due to the different rates of contraction. When the copper reaches room temperature, most of the black oxide should have peeled away. Gently rinse the copper under running water to remove any remaining black spots, but avoid scrubbing or bending the copper, as this may damage the cuprous oxide layer.
Step 2: Assembly and Setup
Cut another piece of copper of the same size as the first. Gently bend both pieces so they can fit inside the plastic bottle without touching each other. Ensure the cuprous oxide side faces outward, as it has the smoothest and cleanest surface. Attach one spring clip to the new copper piece, connecting its wire to the positive terminal of the ammeter. Attach the second spring clip to the copper covered with cuprous oxide, connecting it to the negative terminal of the ammeter.
Mix two tablespoons of salt into hot tap water until fully dissolved. Carefully pour the brine into the plastic bottle, ensuring the spring clips remain dry. The water does not need to completely cover the copper—leave at least 2 cm of space so that the liquid doesn’t reach the clips when moving the setup.
Consumer Electronics
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