A lasagna mishap on Dec. 5 turned into a science lesson when melted aluminum foil created a small battery. The incident began when the foil melted into the dish during baking, leaving burn holes on the pan and holes in the foil when held to light. A user asked, “Did you set it to hell,” and another joked, “Lasagna looking like E.T. at the end of the movie.” The comments sparked curiosity about the science behind the incident, with some suggesting the foil might have formed a battery. The discussion quickly moved from disbelief to an exploration of electrochemical principles.
The Melting Mishap
One user posted a photo of the lasagna with the foil on top of the pan speckled with burn holes, a second image showing the foil fused to the lasagna, and a third image highlighting the many holes in the foil when held up to light. Tay Tanesha wrote, “I didn’t know aluminum foil melted in such low heat tf is this 🤔😒🤬,” expressing her surprise. She noted that the foil had melted at a temperature she considered low. The post sparked a conversation about galvanic cells in everyday cooking. The incident became a viral moment on social media.
Comments and Curiosity
A user asked, “Can you explain this is standard American English for me so I can explain it to my boyfriend who doesn’t believe I taste the metal when food is cooked in these types of pans???” indicating a desire for a lay explanation. The question highlighted how the incident sparked interest in how metals interact during cooking. It also showed that people were eager to understand the taste implications of the reaction. The request prompted experts to explain the science in plain terms. This helped demystify the process for a broader audience.
The Lasagna Battery Concept
One user explained, “Me when I create a simple galvanic cell where the aluminum and steel act as electrodes and the food’s moisture/ions act as the electrolyte, causing the foil to corrode and the food to taste metallic 😔,” showing a clear understanding of chemistry. Another user added, “Put enough of these together and you can light an LED!” and shared an Instagram Reel of a purposeful lasagna battery experiment. The term “lasagna battery” quickly entered the conversation. Users began to link the phenomenon to basic electrochemical principles. The idea that everyday cooking could generate electricity fascinated many.
Seeking a Simple Explanation
According to the explanation, batteries store electrical energy in chemical form and convert it to electricity for use. The text noted that everyday devices such as TV remotes, mobile phones, and mid-sized sedans contain different types of batteries. It also mentioned that simple food items like lemons, potatoes, or, in this case, tomato sauce and pasta can act as electrolytes. The explanation connected the lasagna battery to the broader concept of electrochemical cells. This clarified how the reaction in the oven could produce a small current.
Pop Culture References
One comment recalled that lasagna batteries were mentioned in the sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.” A more recent clip in the Netflix show “A Man on the Inside” also featured a lasagna battery created during a Thanksgiving dinner. These references added a pop-culture layer to the discussion. They demonstrated that the idea of cooking-based batteries had already appeared in media. The references helped readers relate the phenomenon to familiar shows.
A Fictional Take
Charles (Ted Danson) said in a Season 2 episode, “I think what just happened was you accidentally made a lasagna battery.” He continued, “The steel pan acts as the cathode and the aluminum port, and then all the acid and the salt in the lasagna is the electrolyte. So a current just runs all through it.” Danson’s character suggested scraping off the corrosion to serve, though that might be unsafe. The comment illustrated how the concept is portrayed in fiction. It also reinforced the idea that the reaction could generate a current.
The Science Behind It
Shane C. Street, an associate professor of chemistry at the University of Alabama, explained that a galvanic, or spontaneous, electrochemical cell formed between the iron or steel pan and the aluminum foil, supported by tomato sauce as the electrolyte. He said, “The aluminum oxidizes to aluminum oxide (gives up electrons) and iron oxide in the pan is reduced to metallic iron (takes the electrons).” Street added that the overall reaction is exothermic, meaning it gives off heat and could become hot enough to melt aluminum. He also noted that the melting point of aluminum is 1220 °F. Street’s description clarified the chemical pathway of the incident.
Street mentioned that a more dramatic form of this reaction is called the thermite reaction. He explained, “This forms molten iron and gives off a tremendous amount of heat (energy), so much that it can be used in welding!” Street noted that the conditions of the thermite reaction and the exothermic nature of the lasagna are “totally different.” He compared the rapid heat release to welding applications. This comparison highlighted the extreme potential of similar reactions under different circumstances.
Jin Suntivich, an associate professor of materials science and engineering at Cornell University, said the electrochemical reaction causes holes in the foil due to several factors. He told TODAY.com, “Tomato sauce contains water and dissolved salts that allow charged atoms (so-called ‘ions’) to move.” Suntivich added, “Aluminum foil is a material that readily gives up electrons, while oxygen in the air can accept them. Together, they form a battery that slowly eats away the foil.” He compared the principle to an aluminum-air battery used for energy storage. Suntivich’s comments helped explain why the foil melted and formed holes.
Street concluded, “Science in action,” describing the accidental power source. He emphasized that while chemistry is a delightful subject to learn, it can also have unexpected practical effects. The statement underscored the real-world application of electrochemical concepts. It served as a reminder that everyday cooking can illustrate scientific principles. The discussion highlighted the intersection of food, chemistry, and safety.
Takeaways
- A melted aluminum foil lasagna can create a small galvanic battery.
- The reaction involves aluminum oxidation and iron reduction, releasing heat.
- Using a glass or ceramic pan can prevent such electrochemical incidents.
Regardless, while chemistry is a delightful subject to learn, the article advised cooking the next lasagna in a glass or ceramic pan to avoid surprise lessons. The story first appeared on TODAY.com, a reputable news site. The article also listed additional TODAY.com pieces unrelated to the lasagna incident. Readers were encouraged to explore those for more entertainment and information.
