Ch 6: Fuel Cells as a Source of Energy

Question 1

fuel cell

Answer 1

a type of electrochemical cell in which the reactants are supplied continuously, allowing continuous generation of electrical energy

Question 2

galvanic cell

Answer 2

also known as a voltaic cell, a device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

Question 3

hydrogen economy

Answer 3

proposed system of delivering energy for society using hydrogen as the source of energy

Question 4

electrode

Answer 4

a (usually) solid conductor in a half-cell at which oxidation or reduction reactions occur

Question 5

electrolyte

Answer 5

a chemical substance which conducts electric current as a result of dissociation into positively and negatively charged ions, which migrate towards the negative and positive terminals of an electric circuit

Question 6

anode

Answer 6

an electrode at which oxidation reactions occur

Question 7

cathode

Answer 7

an electrode at which reduction reactions occur

Question 8

steam reforming

Answer 8

a process which produces hydrogen, CO, other useful products from hydrocarbon fuels such as neutral gas

Question 9

biogas

Answer 9

a mixture of gasses produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absense of oxygen. mainly co2 and methane

Question 10

adsorb

Answer 10

the process of sticking molecules to the surface of a solid or liquid

Question 11

absorb

Answer 11

the process of incorporating a substance into the interior of another substance or object such as the absorption of water into a sponge

Question 12

primary cell

Answer 12

galvanic cell which is non-rechargable because the products of the reaction migrate away from the electrodes

Question 13

secondary cell

Answer 13

an accumulator or rechargable cell. recharging is possible because the products formed as a result of the discharge reactions stay in contact with the electrodes in a convertible form