Glowing Pickle

When an electric current passes through a pickle, ions in the salty brine conduct electricity, exciting sodium atoms that emit a bright yellow glow. This demonstrates ionic conduction, atomic emission spectra, and electrolysis.

1. Place a pickle on an insulating surface such as a glass jar.
2. Insert two metal nails or forks into opposite ends of the pickle, ensuring they do not touch.
3. Attach the exposed ends of a lamp cord to the electrodes (using wire wrapping or alligator clips).
4. Plug the lamp cord into a variac or into a power strip (in the “off” position), which is connected to an electrical outlet.
5. Turn on the power strip or variac.
6. Observe as the pickle drips, smokes, and glows—usually yellow from sodium emission.
7. Turn off and unplug the setup before handling the pickle.

Electric Pickle - Cool Science Experiment - Sick Science!:

The Glowing Pickle - Manitoba Museum:

📄 Glowing Pickle or Electric Pickle Experiment - Science Notes: https://sciencenotes.org/glowing-pickle-or-electric-pickle-experiment/

None

• This is an “adults only” experiment—never allow children to handle the electrical setup.
• Only teachers trained in the handling of mains power should perform the experiment.
• Use a power strip with a switch for safe shut-off.
• Do not touch the pickle or electrodes while power is on.
• Perform in a well-ventilated area due to possible smoke and gas release.
• Never eat the pickle after electrifying it.

• Why does the pickle glow yellow? (Excited sodium ions emit photons at a characteristic yellow wavelength.)
• What role do the electrodes play? (They conduct electricity into the pickle, enabling electrolysis and ion excitation.)
• Why can electricity pass through the pickle? (Saltwater brine conducts electricity due to dissolved ions.)
• How is this similar to a flame test in chemistry? (Both reveal element-specific emission spectra.)
• What modern technology is this experiment related to? (Organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs, used in displays.)