What is a fuel cell?
electrical cell thats supplied with fuel and oxygen and uses energy from the reaction between them to produce energy efficiently.
What happens when fuel enters the cell?
it becomes oxidised and sets up potential difference within the cell.
Name the different types of fuel cells.
Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell. It produces clean water and releases energy.
Explain what happens in a Hydrogen Oxygen fuel cell.
Hydrogen goes into the anode compartment and oxygen goes into the cathode compartment.
At the anode hydrogen loses electrons to produce H+ ions. This is oxidation.
H+ ions move to the cathode.
At the positive electrode (cathode) oxygen gains electrons from the cathode and reacts with H+ ions. to make water - this is reduction.
Electrons flow through the external circuit from anode to cathode.
the overall reaction is hydrogen and oxygen which gives you water.
Give the half equation for oxidation in the anode,
H2 = 2H+ + 2e-
Give the half equation for reduction at the cathode.
02 + 4H+ + 4e- = 2H20
Give the half equation for the overall reaction.
2H2 + O2 = 2H2O
Advantages of fuel vehicles.
dont produce as many pollutants as other fuels. Operates over a longer time. Higher efficency than petrol vehicles. Quieter than combustion vehicles. Low heat transmission,
Disadvantages of fuel cells.
Hydrogen is a gas so it takes more room than storing a rechargable battery.
Hydrogen is explosive when mixed with air.
Hydrogen is expensive to produce.
Advantages of batteries.
Rechargable.
Disadvantages of batteries.
store less energy need to be recharged frequently.
Limit of how many times its recharged.
More expensive.
Polluting to dipose of.