Fuel Cells
This lesson covers:
- What a 'fuel cell' is
- How a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell works
- The pros and cons of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell
Fuel cells convert the chemical energy in a fuel and oxygen into:
Infrared radiation
Electricity
Sound
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Which direction do the electrons flow in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell?
From the cathode to the anode
From the anode to the cathode
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What is the overall reaction for a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell?
hydrogen + oxygen ➔ water + carbon dioxide
water ➔ hydrogen + oxygen
hydrogen + oxygen ➔ water
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What is an electrolyte?
A solution of electrons
Electrically charged water
A solution through which ions can flow
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positive / negative
In fuel cells the anode (which is drawn on the left) is , while the cathode (drawn on the right) is .
This is the opposite way around to the anode and cathode in electrolysis, so be careful not to mix them up.
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What are the electrodes in fuel cells made from?
Inert plastic
Porous carbon
Reaction metal
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The oxygen enters the cathode compartment and the hydrogen enters the anode compartment.
False
True
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When hydrogen gas enters a fuel cell, it loses electrons to become hydrogen ions. Is the hydrogen gas oxidised or reduced?
Oxidised
Reduced
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What are the main advantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells?
(Select all that apply)
It requires energy to produce the hydrogen
Fuel cells last longer than batteries
The hydrogen fuel exists as a gas at room temperature
The reaction doesn't produce any pollutants
Hydrogen and oxygen are both renewable
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What are the main disadvantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells?
(Select all that apply)
It requires energy to produce hydrogen
Fuel cells are simpler then combustion engines
Hydrogen gas requires a large space to store
Hydrogen is highly flammable, so danger to store
Hydrogen and oxygen are both renewable
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