THE MAKING OF THE MONSTER
click here to see a closeup of Pumpkenstein click here for the Pumpkenstein carving pattern (original design) |
Pumpkenstein (or Pumpkinstein) was an electrolytic
battery - two different metals in an electrolyte solution. A copper
pipe served as one electrode, and a zinc-plated steel pipe as the other.
The pumpkin was not very juicy, so tris-borate-EDTA (TBE) was the electrolyte
solution. The pipes were inserted into the pumpkin so the tips would
touch the TBE. After hooking the electrodes to a voltimeter using alligator
clips, a reading of 1.5-2 volts was obtained! As the burning candle
warmed the TBE, the voltage reached an impressive 3 volts. |