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Chemical cells and fuel cells
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Chemical reactions can produce electricity directly. Fuel cells are a cleaner way to power vehicles. Separate Chemistry only.
Chemical cells
A cell has two different metals in an electrolyte. The bigger the difference in reactivity, the bigger the voltage.
Non-rechargeable cells stop when a reactant is used up.
Non-rechargeable cells stop when a reactant is used up.
Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen and oxygen react to produce electricity. The only product is water.
Overall: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
Overall: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
Pros and cons
Advantages: only water is produced; no carbon dioxide at the point of use; efficient.
Disadvantages: hydrogen is flammable and hard to store; making hydrogen often uses fossil fuels.
Disadvantages: hydrogen is flammable and hard to store; making hydrogen often uses fossil fuels.
Why is a fuel cell car described as having zero emissions at the point of use?
- It only produces water.
- No carbon dioxide or pollutants come out of the vehicle.
Answer: Its only product is water.
A chemical cell's voltage depends on the reactivity difference between the metals. Hydrogen fuel cells make electricity with water as the only product, but hydrogen is hard to store.
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