Even carbon dioxide can dissolve in the groundwater, causing the water to be naturally carbonated. This water is sometimes sold as mineral water. Groundwater can be heated by magma below the Earth's surface. The heated water can create hot springs, springs with water that is naturally hot (Figure 13.23). Some hot springs are used as natural hot tubs and are considered therapeutic and spiritual by some people. However, hot springs can be dangerous, too.
We used a level tablespoon of salt in a cup of water. The batteries we have shown here are more correctly called cells. An actual battery is made up of two or more cells. The zinc-air cell produces about three quarters of a volt.
Homemade batteries are a popular subject with my readers. Making electricity from things you find around the house is a fun project. There are lots of easy ways to make homemade batteries. Basically, any two different kinds of metal can be placed in a conducting solution and you get a battery. Familiar homemade batteries include sticking copper and zinc strips into a lemon or a potato to make a battery. One quick battery is made from a soda can, the soda from the can, and some copper.