CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The Filipinos are now facing energy crisis especially the people from the humble
town of Cabagan, Isabela. They are currently experiencing multiple brown outs. However,
various people are not capable in purchasing alternative electricity like generators and solar
panels because of its cost and availability. Some goes to poor people from coastal areas who
don’t have access to electrical energy and they use gas/kerosene lamps or candles which is
very dangerous for it can cause accident fires if not utilized properly. That’s why the
researchers come up with a science investigatory project that will surely benefit majority of
the people and create a power source that would be able to provide an environment-friendly,
useful and renewable source of energy using vinegar as a main component.

Vinegar, a common condiment, has a component which is called ‘acetic acid’ that
produces free H3O+ and OH- ions when dissolved in water. These ions allow current to flow
through the water.

At first glance, it appears that vinegar lacks the crucial component of a battery or a
power source but with the unification of vinegar, zinc, copper and a couple of magnets – it
becomes a battery. A battery is composed of two metals and electrolyte, a conductive liquid.
Here, the vinegar performs this function. A chemical reaction takes place between the metals
within the vinegar. This creates voltage which pushes the electrons to the circuits. “The basic
principle of positive and negative charges can be demonstrated by this experimental set-up
that uses the positive and negative ions from the copper and zinc.” (Shaffer, 2009) When the
electrodes (copper and zinc) are immersed in vinegar, they draw ions from the vinegar and
the movement of ions creates an electric current.

The researchers prioritize not only the discovery of the vinegar battery as an
alternative source but also as renewable source of energy in the invention of DAKS light and
power generating device. Vinegar battery may not be as popular as other commercial
batteries, however, this is cheaper. After all, vinegar is freely available anywhere. It is also
environment-friendly because it doesn’t contain hazardous and toxic elements.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, this science investigatory project aims to find out the effectiveness and
usefulness of vinegar as an alternative source of electrical energy to power up the DAKS
light and power generating device.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following:

a) Is vinegar battery effective in powering the DAKS light and power generating device?

b) How many voltage and amperes needed for the DAKS light and power generating
device to work?

c) How much amount of vinegar (volume) is necessary to utilize the DAKS light and
power generating device?

d) How long will the current of the vinegar battery last in powering the DAKS light and
generating device?
 VINEGAR
BATTERY
POWERED DAKS
LIGHT

By:
Devonn Jay C. Rayos
Apryl Erika R. Talosig
Kathleen P. Franco
Sonny Boy C. Mendoza