Fuel Cells

• What is a fuel cell?

  A device that generates electricity through a chemical reaction
• What is produced as a waste product in a hydrogen fuel cell?

  Water
• What is the half equation for the negative electrode in a hydrogen fuel cell?

  2 H₂ → 4 H⁺ + 4 e^-
• What is the half equation for the positive electrode in a hydrogen fuel cell?

  O₂ + 4 H⁺ + 4 e^- → 2 H₂O
• What happens to hydrogen in a hydrogen fuel cell?

  Hydrogen is oxidized by combining with oxygen
• What are the main advantages of hydrogen fuel cells compared to rechargeable batteries?

  They produce electricity as long as hydrogen is supplied and do not lose efficiency over time
• What is a disadvantage of hydrogen fuel cells?

  Hydrogen is an explosive gas and difficult to store safely
• How does the potential difference of hydrogen fuel cells compare to rechargeable batteries?

  Hydrogen fuel cells produce a relatively low potential difference
• What are the key components of a hydrogen fuel cell's operation?

  • Reacts hydrogen with oxygen
  • Produces electricity
  • Waste product is water
  • Involves oxidation of hydrogen
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells compared to rechargeable batteries?

  Advantages:

  • Continuous electricity supply with hydrogen
  • No efficiency loss over time

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Hydrogen is explosive and hard to store
  • Lower potential difference than rechargeable batteries