An Easy-To-Assemble Three-Part Galvanic Cell

The galvanic cell presented in this article is made of only three parts, is easy to assemble, and can light a red light emitting diode (LED). The three cell components consist of a piece of paper with copper sulfate, a piece of paper with sodium sulfate, and a piece of magnesium ribbon. Within less than 1 h, students have time to discuss the function of the main battery parts, construct the cell, and test it with a LED. This low cost laboratory activity is suited to most general chemistry curricula.