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Chemistry Forums for Students => Inorganic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: Foomanchu on July 29, 2004, 12:21:58 AM

Title: Measuring Current in Cu/Zn electric cell
Post by: Foomanchu on July 29, 2004, 12:21:58 AM

How do you measure the current from a copper/zinc voltaic cell? Hooking a voltmeter in series with the electrodes shows a potential difference, but no current is shown when hooking up an ammeter in the same way.  If I insert a small resistor as a load in series with an ammeter, will I get a current?
Thanks for any help

Gary

Title: Re:Measuring Current in Cu/Zn electric cell
Post by: Mitch on July 29, 2004, 01:51:55 AM

If it showed a potential it should show a current? I'm sure the P-Chem masters will sort it out.

Title: Re:Measuring Current in Cu/Zn electric cell
Post by: Corvettaholic on July 29, 2004, 11:37:46 AM

You can't measure voltage and amperage the same way. The way I always measure stuff, I put ammeter's in series, and voltmeters in parallel. Maybe I got it backwards cause its been a while since I'm measured anything, but I know for a fact you don't measure them the same way. Also, good idea about putting the resistor in there, having a load is important.