“You don't have a voltmeter. Do you have a potato?” (diy.stackexchange.com)

Article summary

The article appears to discuss using a potato as a makeshift voltmeter, but the exact content is unknown due to it being unavailable. Commenters have shared various methods for detecting voltage or polarity using unconventional items, such as potatoes, pencils, and salt water. These methods often involve electrolysis or other chemical reactions. The discussion has also touched on the safety and feasibility of these experiments.

Main themes

• DIY electronics
• unconventional voltmeters
• electrolysis and chemical reactions
• safety and feasibility
• educational tools
• Bayesian statistics and likelihood principle

What commenters say

• Using a potato as a voltmeter is possible due to the chemical reactions that occur when a voltage is applied.
• The method works by creating copper salts, which are green in color, at the positive electrode.
• Some commenters have expressed concerns about the safety of these experiments, citing the potential for chemical injury or the production of hazardous substances.
• Others have downplayed these concerns, arguing that the risks are minimal and the experiments can be safely conducted with proper precautions.
• The choice of material for the experiment is not limited to potatoes, and other conductive substances like salt water or moistened paper towel can be used.
• The discussion has also veered into topics unrelated to the original article, such as Bayesian statistics and the likelihood principle.
• There are disagreements about the feasibility and safety of certain experiments, with some commenters arguing that they can be safely conducted and others expressing skepticism.
• The use of unconventional items to detect voltage or polarity can be a useful educational tool or a fun DIY project, but it requires proper understanding of the underlying chemistry and safety protocols.