Exam #4 Prep Flashcards
Why does a fuel cell not “run down” like a standard battery?
the reactants in a battery must be stored inside the battery whereas the reactants for a fuel cell flow as needed
What is the primary determinant of the voltage developed by a battery?
the nature of the materials in the reaction
What is the oxidation half-reaction?
Zn –> Zn^(2+) + 2e-
What is the oxidation half-reaction?
Zn –> Zn^(2+) + 2e-
As fuel wells become more widely accepted and are used more, we will…
be able to generate electricity where we cannot do so now
Which has NOT been suggested as a reasonably practical way to store large amounts of H2 in small spaces?
liquify under pressure
What is the max efficiency of a solar cell?
40%
Why can the lead-acid batteries in cars generate electricity for several years before running down?
the mechanical motion of the engine drives an alternator that generates electricity to recharge the battery
What battery shouldn’t have to be replaced in a hybrid car?
nickel metal hydride
What metal is used to “dope” a n-type semiconductor?
arsenic
What are necessary considerations for a battery designed to run a cell phone?
must develop a useful level of electrochemical potential, must “run” for a reasonable amount of time, must be lightweight
Batteries must be used in addition to solar cells when generating household electricity because….
batteries must store/supply energy when there is no sun
Whenever a substance is oxidized…
another substance must be reduced
Whenever a substance is oxidized…
another substance must be reduced
How do interactions that are broken in water when it is boiled compare to those when it is electrolyzed?
boiling water breaks intermolecular attractions, electrolysis breaks covalent bonds
What is the whole chemical reaction of a galvanic cell?
Cd(s) + 2NiO(OH)(s) + 2H2O)l) –> 2Ni(OH)2(s) + Cd(OH)2(s)
PEM fuel cells….
- are cleaner than gasoline powered vehicles
- are safe/efficient fuel storage
- have a limited driving range
Chemical energy is converted directly into electrical energy in a ….
galvanic cell
How do you generate electricity in a solar cell when p-type and n-type semiconductors are placed in contact by a wire?
light shining on system must have enough energy to set electrons in motion from n-type to p-type