Galvanic/Fuel Cells

Question 1

Galvanic Cells reactants

Answer 1

Spontaneous redox reactions, fixed reactants chemical -> electrical

Question 2

Fuel Cells reactants

Answer 2

reactants are not fixed but rather constantly supplied from an external source

Question 3

Difference between galvanic and fuel cells

Answer 3

Fuel cells have fixed reactants, whilst fuel cells do not have fixed reactants, but rather have reactants that are constantly supplied from an external source

Question 4

Primary Cell

Answer 4

Irreversible system, once energy is obtained they are disposable

Question 5

Secondary Cell

Answer 5

Reversible system, once energy is obtained they can be recharged and reused

Question 6

Why can’t primary cells be recharged?

Answer 6

Products of oxidation and reduction may move away from the electrodes therefore the backward reaction cannot be forced
Side reactions may be occurring with the formed products

Question 7

Discharge characteristics

Answer 7

Anode is negative, cathode is positive, galvanic cell, spontaneous

Question 8

Recharge characteristics

Answer 8

Anode is positive, cathode is negative, electrolytic cell, NON-spontaneous

Question 9

Purpose of an electrolyte in a fuel cell

Answer 9

Allows only the movement of ions through the cell, completing the circuit so redox reaction can occur.

Question 10

Advantages of a fuel cell

Answer 10

More efficient
H2O produced could be used elsewhere (sustainable greenhouse gas)
Fuel cells emit less Co2 as a byproduct.

Question 11

Fuel Cell definition

Answer 11

A galvanic cell that converts chemical energy to electrical energy with a constant supply of reactants provided by an external source.