Fuel Cells Flashcards
What did William Nicholson do in 1800
Pass an electric current through water using platinum electrodes
What did passing electricity through water using platinum electrodes produce
Hydrogen and oxygen
Who made the voltaic battery and when
1839- William Grove
Exothermic
A reaction where energy is transferred to its surroundings
What does hydrogen react explosively with
Oxygen
What is the energy in the reaction used for
Producing a potential difference or voltage
Equation that takes place in hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
Hydrogen+ oxygen = water
2(H2) + O2 = 2(H2O)
What happens to hydrogen ions at the anode
They loosen electrons and become hydrogen ions
H2 - 2e- = 2(H+)
What happens when the hydrogen ions reach the Cathode
They react with the electrons and oxygen to form an electrical circuit:
4(H+) + O2 + 4(e-) = 2(H2O)