Department of Physics

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Browsing Department of Physics by Author "Ongago, Shaffi Okonyo"

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    Construction of a simple electrochemical cell using carbon rods and zinc plates from used dry cell.
    (Busitema University, 2026-05) Ongago, Shaffi Okonyo
    This study focused on the design and construction of a simple electrochemical energy source for household lighting using carbon rods and zinc plates extracted from used dry cells. The study was motivated by the limited access to reliable electricity in many Ugandan households, especially in rural areas, and the increasing disposal of used dry cells which contribute to environmental pollution. The project aimed at recycling useful battery materials to construct a low-cost source of electrical energy for lighting purposes while demonstrating practical application of electrochemical principles. The specific objectives were to design an electrochemical cell using recycled zinc and carbon electrodes, integrate the constructed cell with a 24 V rechargeable battery and inverter to increase voltage output, and evaluate the performance of the system by measuring voltage, current, power output, and lighting duration. Carbon rods and zinc plates were extracted from used dry cells, cleaned, and immersed in a sodium chloride electrolyte solution prepared using distilled water and common salt. The electrodes were connected to an external circuit, charged using a 24V battery, and linked to an inverter to power LED bulbs. Measurements were taken using a digital multimeter to determine system performance. Findings indicate that recycled dry cell materials can generate usable electrical energy for low-power household lighting. The study demonstrated the practical application of electrochemical energy conversion and practical learning of electrochemistry concepts in physics education