C4.2 - Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells Flashcards
1
Q
What is a fuel? [1]
A
a substance that is burned to produce energy
2
Q
What is a fuel cell? [1]
A
it converts chemical energy to electrical energy
3
Q
What is a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell? [2]
A
- it uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity
- with water as the only chemical product
4
Q
What is the formula? [1]
A
Hydrogen + Oxygen –> Water
5
Q
What is a usage of fuel cells? [1]
A
powering vehicles
6
Q
What are the advantages of using Hydrogen-Oxygen fuel cells in comparison with gasoline and petrol engines in vehicles? [3]
A
- less pollution = less CO₂ = since water is the only product
- higher energy = fuel cells have higher efficiency in converting energy
- less noise pollution = hydrogen fuel cells operate quietly
7
Q
What are the disadvantages of using Hydrogen-Oxygen fuel cells in comparison with gasoline and petrol engines in vehicles? [4]
A
- challenges in hydrogen storage = hydrogen is a gas at rtp = difficult to store in cars
- expensive = fuel cells are expensive
- limited filling infrastructure = no widespread network of hydrogen filling stations
- environmental impact of hydrogen production = vehicle itself emits no pollutants but producing hydrogen fuel generates air pollutants
