Electrolysis

Question 1

Advantages of a hydrogen fuel cell

Answer 1

• Is a renewable source of energy as hydrogen is obtained from the electrolysis of water.
• Hydrogen fuel cells produce water as the only product of combustion of hydrogen. Water has no adverse effect (harmless) to human health.
• Hydrogen is more efficient source of energy, which provides more than twice the amount of energy compared to many other fuels. A larger percentage of the chemical energy stored in the fuel ends up as useful electricity in a fuel cell.

Question 2

Disadvantages of a hydrogen fuel cell

Answer 2

• It is difficult to find a cheap source of hydrogen. Obtaining hydrogen from electrolysis is an expensive process.
• Hydrogen is currently obtained from non-renewable energy sources such as cracking petroleum.
• It is difficult to store and transport hydrogen safely as hydrogen is a highly flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. Hydrogen is often transported in high- pressure cylinders which can be dangerous to handle.