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Science

DetlefK

(16,670 posts)

8. Actually, the potato is just there to prevent a short-circuit.

Reply to packman (Reply #3)

Thu Sep 17, 2015, 07:49 AM

Sep 2015

The real energy-source is that the electrodes consist of different metals. When the metals touch each other, electrons flow to bring the Fermi-levels into equilibrium. This would normally mean a short and high current at the plane where the metals touch, but the potato serves as a resistor and prolongs the current over a longer time.

EDIT: You can replace the potato with your body...

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What's the best way to charge millions of electric vehicles at once? [View all] Jim__ Sep 2015 OP

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I understand that potatos are good sources of electricity packman Sep 2015 #3

Don't drive that through Texas. It would scare them to death...or maybe you. n/t jtuck004 Sep 2015 #7

Actually, the potato is just there to prevent a short-circuit. DetlefK Sep 2015 #8

At night, when domestic, commercial, and industrial demand is low. krispos42 Sep 2015 #4

What's the best way to charge millions of electric vehicles at once? AlbertCat Sep 2015 #5

I've got the answer to that one. hunter Sep 2015 #6

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I said no automobiles, not no vehicles. hunter Sep 2015 #10

Until renewable power generation eclipses traditional, Shankapotomus Sep 2015 #11