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:
Electricity
Infrared radiation
Sound
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Which direction do the electrons flow in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell?
From the anode to the cathode
From the cathode to the anode
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What is the overall reaction for a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell?
water ➔ hydrogen + oxygen
hydrogen + oxygen ➔ water + carbon dioxide
hydrogen + oxygen ➔ water
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What is an electrolyte?
Electrically charged water
A solution of electrons
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.
True
False
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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?
Reduced
Oxidised
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What are the main advantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells?
(Select all that apply)
Fuel cells last longer than batteries
The reaction doesn't produce any pollutants
Hydrogen and oxygen are both renewable
It requires energy to produce the hydrogen
The hydrogen fuel exists as a gas at room temperature
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What are the main disadvantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells?
(Select all that apply)
It requires energy to produce hydrogen
Hydrogen gas requires a large space to store
Hydrogen is highly flammable, so danger to store
Hydrogen and oxygen are both renewable
Fuel cells are simpler then combustion engines
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