voltaic cell
Date1850-1870
Inventory Number0349
ClassificationBattery
Subject
Maker
Thomas Hall
fl. 1840 - 1875
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions23.5 x 15.3 cm (9 1/4 x 6 in.)
Material
DescriptionA form of Volta's cell made up of two plates of zinc amalgum (Zn Hg) on either side of a thin copper plate. The plates are rectangular and hung from a wooden cover (circular) over a glass jar on a circular wooden base (similar to cover) and held together with two rods. Binding posts on top to transmit the electricity generated by the battery. E.M.F. below 1 Volt.
Signedon instrument: T. Hall / Boston
FunctionUsed as a voltage source. The glass container would be filled with a dilute solution of sulphuric acid. The contact and chemical reactions between the acid and the electrode metals would produce the voltage.
