The Invention of Voltaic Stack

The Volta stack is the earliest chemical battery, invented by Italian physicist Volta in 1800. The human body can also become a 'mini' power station. Due to the abundant water in the human body, sweat is a natural electrolyte. When the palm is wet, sweat reacts chemically with zinc and copper sheets, causing electrons to transfer between different metals and form an electric current. The wetter the hand, the greater the deflection amplitude of the ammeter. Operating instructions: Use both hands to hold down metal hand plates of different materials, observe and compare which group of metal hand plates causes the galvanometer pointer to deflect more. Click on the touch screen to learn about the invention process and significance of the Voltaic Stack, as well as the development history of batteries.

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.