The Potential Property of Salt Solution as an Alternative Source of Electricity

Christine Joy D. Anac

Rizza Mae G. Ubado
12-STEM B

ABSTRACT
The study aimed to determine the potential property of salt solution as an alternative source
of electricity. It also aimed to investigate the different factors affecting the voltage produced by
the salt solution. A set up of 4 cups was used in this experiment. All 4 cups were filled with 50
mL water and were added with 10 grams of salt. Then, wires with positive electrode and negative
electrode were put in the cups to make a circuit, after which, the series circuit was connected to
the LED bulb. The result of the experiment showed a direct relationship between the number of
container set up and the voltage produced. It also showed that the higher the amount of solute
(salt), the higher the molarity. It is therefore concluded that salt solution has a potential property
of being an alternative source of electricity.

INTRODUCTION

In the Philippines, like in other areas in the world, there is a lack of efficient light sources
and doesn’t have access to electricity, especially in remote islands and rural areas. Kerosene had
become their source of light which is dangerous because it can start a fire and causes respiratory
disease.
In 2012, Aisa Mijeno designed the prototype of SALt lamp or Sustainable Alternative
Lighting which was praised around the world for its sustainable and cost effective solution on the
problems of electricity by just using water and salt.
In this study, the researchers aimed to determine the potential property of salt solution as
an alternative source of electricity. It also aimed to investigate the different factors affecting the
voltage produced by the salt solution. The researchers tried to make their own version of the
saltwater lamp using only the materials available in the house and by applying the concepts of
molarity, solutions, and electricity.
METHODOLOGY
Materials
The materials used in the experiment were 200 ml distilled water, 40 grams of salt,
weighing scale, voltmeter, insulated wire, galvanized metal sheet, measuring cups, LED light
bulb (2 volts), sandpaper.

Procedure
A. Preparing the set-up
First, cut the insulated wire, enough to produce 5 piece. Then, strip the insulated
wires at both ends, to reveal the wire. Then, cut the galvanized metal sheet into small
pieces measuring 20x30 cm. After that, polish the cut metal sheets using a sandpaper. Then
connect one end of a stripped wire to the cut galvanized metal sheet. Next, prepare 4 cups
to hold the saltwater solution.

B. Experimentation
Measure a 200 mL of distilled water using measuring cups. Then, put the measured
water to one of the 4 cups. Repeat the process until all the 4 cups are filled with 50 mL of
water. After that, measure 10 grams of salt using a weighing scale and carefully pour the
salt to 1 cup with 50 mL water. Mix it thoroughly until the salt completely dissolves and
repeat the process. Next, make a series circuit using the salt solution and the wires. Put 1
wire in two cups, wherein 1 cup has the other end of the wire (positive electrode) and one
cup has the other end of the wire with galvanized metal sheet (negative electrode). Repeat
the process until there is a path for electricity from the salt water solution. To check if there
is a flow of electricity that is generated by the solution, use a voltmeter. Then, connect the
wires to the bulb.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1.

Number of
Amount of Conductor Voltage
Amount of Container Set-
Solvent Used produced
Solute (g) up

Galvanized
40 200 2 0.8 V
Metal Sheet

Galvanized
40 200 4 3V
Metal Sheet

Table 1 shows two different set-ups, wherein at constant amount of the solute and
solvent, one of the various factors that affects the generation of electricity from the saltwater
solution is presented, the number of set up. From the table above, it shows the relationship of
generated electricity and the number of container set up. Based from the table, it presents that the
more the container set ups, the higher the amount of voltage produced. This can be inferred to as
a direct relationship between the container set up and voltage produced.

From the findings of the experiment, the salt solution (40g of salt dissolved in 200 ml of
distilled water) powered the 2-volt LED light. The concentration of the salt solution was enough
to power a 2-volt LED light.

After the experiment, the researchers computed the molarity of the salt solution. . The
molarity of the salt solution was 2.98 mol/L and was computed aa follows.

40 grams of NaCl in 200 mL of water Number of Moles (NaCl)

1mole NaCl
40 g NaCl *
Liters of solution 58 g NaCl
= 0.70 moles NaCl
 .87 mL
40 grams x
1 gram NaCl Molarity
Moles of solute
¿ 34.8 mL M=
Liters of solution
34.8 mL+200 mL=234.8 mL∨.2348 L
0.70 moles
=
0.2348liters

= 2.98 moles/ L

Table 2 shows the molarity of the solution. With 40 grams of NaCl in a 200 mL water,
the molarity is 2.98 moles/L. If more salt will be added, it is also expected that the molarity will
also increase, hence, they have a direct relationship. The higher the amount of solute (salt), the
higher the molarity.

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The researchers conducted this experiment to determine the potential property of salt

solution as an alternative source of electricity. It also aimed to investigate the different factors

affecting the voltage produced by the salt solution.

Based from the results of the experiment, a 200 ml distilled water with 40 grams of salt is

enough to light a 2 Volt-bulb. It was also observed that various factors affect the voltage

produced by the solution and one of which is the number of container set up that will be used.

The result of the experiment showed a direct relationship between the number of container set up

and the voltage produced. It is therefore concluded that the more the container set ups, the higher

the amount of voltage produced. The result from the experiment also showed that molarity has a

direct relationship with the amount of solute, thus, the higher the amount of solute (salt), the

higher the molarity.

 To obtain higher voltage and make the light brighter, the researchers recommend to have

more than 4 set ups in series. It is also recommended that the size of the wire should be bigger

for its resistance decreases as the radius increases.

References
 Teach Engineering. (2018). Retrieved on January 28, 2019 from
https://www.teachengineering.org › TeachEngineering › Activities › Saltwater Circuit

 Ocon, J. (2015). Deconstructing SALt’s saltwater lamp. Retrieved on January 26, 2019
from https://www.rappler.com/science-nature/ideas/113626-salt-lamp-how-it-works-
challenges