Fuels Cells

• What is the focus of today's video?

  The focus is on how the hydrogen oxygen fuel cell works and its pros and cons.
• What is a fuel cell?

  A fuel cell is a type of electrochemical cell that converts energy between electrical and chemical forms.
• What do fuel cells convert chemical energy into?

  They convert chemical energy from fuel and oxygen into electrical energy.
• What is the most common type of fuel cell?

  The most common type is the hydrogen oxygen fuel cell.
• What do hydrogen and oxygen combine to form in a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell?

  They combine to form water while generating electrical energy.
• What is the structure of a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell?

  • Central electrolyte (common: potassium hydroxide)
  • Negative anode on the left
  • Positive cathode on the right
  • Connected by a wire for electron flow
  • Porous carbon electrodes with a catalyst
  • Anode compartment (hydrogen inlet) and cathode compartment (oxygen inlet)
  • Outlet for water and heat
• What is the role of the electrolyte in a fuel cell?

  The electrolyte allows ions to move through it.
• What is the function of the anode in a fuel cell?

  The anode is where hydrogen is oxidized, losing electrons to become hydrogen ions.
• What happens to the electrons after hydrogen is oxidized at the anode?

  The electrons pass around the wire to the cathode.
• How do hydrogen ions move in a fuel cell?

  Hydrogen ions move through the electrolyte to the cathode.
• What do the electrons and hydrogen ions react with at the cathode?

  They react with oxygen that comes in from the right.
• What is produced when hydrogen ions and electrons react with oxygen at the cathode?

  Water is produced.
• How many hydrogen ions and electrons are needed to react with one oxygen molecule?

  Two sets of hydrogen ions and electrons are needed.
• What are half equations in the context of fuel cells?

  Half equations show the loss or gain of electrons during the reactions.
• What does the overall equation of the fuel cell reaction represent?

  It shows the combination of oxygen and hydrogen to make water.
• What drives the movement of electrons in a fuel cell?

  The potential difference across the cell drives the movement of electrons.
• What are the pros and cons of hydrogen oxygen fuel cells?

  Pros:

  • Only require hydrogen and oxygen
  • Do not produce carbon dioxide or pollutants
  • Longer lifespan than batteries
  • Less polluting to dispose of

  
  

  Cons:

  • Hydrogen is a gas, requiring more storage space
  • Hydrogen is explosive when mixed with air
  • Producing hydrogen fuel often requires fossil fuels
• What is the main idea behind using fuel cells in vehicles?

  To replace fossil fuel engines and batteries that are polluting.
• What is a significant disadvantage of storing hydrogen?

  Hydrogen is explosive when mixed with air.
• What is the main problem with producing hydrogen fuel?

  It often requires energy from fossil fuels.
• What should you mention in exams about how fuel cells work?

  As fuel enters the cell, it becomes oxidized, creating a potential difference.
• What does oxidized mean in the context of hydrogen in fuel cells?

  It means that hydrogen atoms lose electrons.
• What does potential difference refer to in a fuel cell?

  It refers to the difference in charge between the two electrodes.
• What can be powered by the electrical energy generated in a fuel cell?

  Any electrical device can be powered by the generated energy.