Recreate Alessandro Volta's original voltaic pile using euro coins — and discover how stacking more coin pairs generates more voltage.
Explore the Project ↓You're recreating Alessandro Volta's voltaic pile from 1800 — the world's first true battery. Volta discovered that stacking two different metals separated by a moist conductor could produce a continuous flow of electrons.
The vinegar-salt solution acts as an electrolyte. Charged particles in it react with the two metals, triggering an electrochemical reaction that releases electrons. When those electrons flow in one direction, it creates electric current.
Each coin pair acts as one "cell." Just like AA batteries in series, stacking more cells adds their voltages together — giving you more total power.
"Does the number of coin pairs in a stack affect the voltage produced?"
Everything is easy to find. The multimeter is the most important item — borrow one if you can.
The original project uses US pennies and nickels. Here's exactly what to use with euro coins.
| US Coin | Metal | Euro Equivalent | Role in Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | Copper-plated zinc | 1, 2, or 5 cent Use 5¢ | Gives off electrons |
| Nickel | Cupro-nickel alloy | 10, 20, or 50 cent Use 20¢ | Receives electrons |
Follow these six steps in order. Each step matters — don't skip the cleaning!
Run 3 trials per stack size. Average your results — it makes your data much more convincing to judges.
| Coin Pairs | Trial 1 (V) | Trial 2 (V) | Trial 3 (V) | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 pairs | — | |||
| 4 pairs | — | |||
| 6 pairs | — | |||
| 8 pairs | — |
Science fair boards follow a standard 3-panel structure. Here's what goes where.
Click each item as you complete it. Good luck!