Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the process that occurs when fuel enters a fuel cell?
What is the process that occurs when fuel enters a fuel cell?
- Oxidation (correct)
- Reduction
- Electrolysis
- Synthesis
What is a major advantage of hydrogen fuel cells compared to traditional internal combustion engines?
What is a major advantage of hydrogen fuel cells compared to traditional internal combustion engines?
- No power is lost in transmission (correct)
- They are more expensive to produce
- They produce more pollution
- They require more maintenance
What is a major disadvantage of hydrogen fuel cells?
What is a major disadvantage of hydrogen fuel cells?
- They require less maintenance
- They are less expensive to produce
- Materials used in producing fuel cells are expensive (correct)
- They produce no pollution
What is a characteristic of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells?
What is a characteristic of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells?
Why are high pressure tanks needed to store oxygen and hydrogen in fuel cells?
Why are high pressure tanks needed to store oxygen and hydrogen in fuel cells?
What is a limitation of fuel cells in terms of temperature?
What is a limitation of fuel cells in terms of temperature?
What is a benefit of hydrogen fuel cells in terms of environmental impact?
What is a benefit of hydrogen fuel cells in terms of environmental impact?
Study Notes
Fuel Cells
- A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell where a fuel donates electrons at one electrode and oxygen gains electrons at the other electrode.
- They are becoming increasingly used in the automotive industry to replace petrol or diesel engines.
Principles of Fuel Cells
- As fuel enters the cell, it becomes oxidized, setting up a potential difference or voltage within the cell.
- Different electrolytes and fuels can be used to create different types of fuel cells.
Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell
- This type of fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to release energy and water.
- Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells include:
- Zero pollution
- Higher energy production per kilogram than petrol or diesel
- No power loss during transmission due to the absence of moving parts
- No battery disposal issues
- Continuous energy production as long as fuel is supplied
- Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells include:
- Expensive materials used in production
- High-pressure tanks required for oxygen and hydrogen storage, which are dangerous and difficult to handle
- Reduced efficiency at low temperatures
- High cost of producing and storing hydrogen
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Description
Learn about fuel cells, their electrochemical process, and their increasing use in the automotive industry as an alternative to petrol or diesel engines.
