Alternative Energy: Hydrogen Fuel Cells

1. A single fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes, an anode and a cathode.

True

False

A single fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. This statement is true because in a fuel cell, the electrolyte allows ions to pass through it, while the anode and cathode facilitate the electrochemical reactions that produce electricity. The anode is where the fuel (such as hydrogen) is oxidized, releasing electrons, while the cathode is where oxygen is reduced, accepting electrons. The electrolyte ensures that the ions can move between the anode and cathode, completing the circuit and allowing the flow of electricity.

Explanation

A single fuel cell consists of an electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes, an anode and a cathode. This statement is true because in a fuel cell, the electrolyte allows ions to pass through it, while the anode and cathode facilitate the electrochemical reactions that produce electricity. The anode is where the fuel (such as hydrogen) is oxidized, releasing electrons, while the cathode is where oxygen is reduced, accepting electrons. The electrolyte ensures that the ions can move between the anode and cathode, completing the circuit and allowing the flow of electricity.

2. Hydrogen is limitless.

True

False

Hydrogen is not limitless. While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it is mostly found in combination with other elements such as oxygen in water or carbon in hydrocarbons. It takes energy and resources to extract hydrogen from these compounds, and the process is not currently sustainable or cost-effective at a large scale. Therefore, hydrogen is not limitless and its availability is dependent on the availability of other compounds from which it can be extracted.

Explanation

Hydrogen is not limitless. While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it is mostly found in combination with other elements such as oxygen in water or carbon in hydrocarbons. It takes energy and resources to extract hydrogen from these compounds, and the process is not currently sustainable or cost-effective at a large scale. Therefore, hydrogen is not limitless and its availability is dependent on the availability of other compounds from which it can be extracted.

3. _____________ can power almost any portable application that typically uses batteries, from hand-held devices to portable generators.

Fuel cells can power almost any portable application that typically uses batteries, from hand-held devices to portable generators. Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel source into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. They are highly efficient and can provide a continuous source of power without the need for recharging or replacing batteries. Fuel cells have a wide range of applications and are particularly useful in situations where a reliable and long-lasting power source is required.

Explanation

Fuel cells can power almost any portable application that typically uses batteries, from hand-held devices to portable generators. Fuel cells are devices that convert chemical energy from a fuel source into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. They are highly efficient and can provide a continuous source of power without the need for recharging or replacing batteries. Fuel cells have a wide range of applications and are particularly useful in situations where a reliable and long-lasting power source is required.

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4. The main issue about hydrogen as an alternative energy source is:

Its destructive capacity

Process of separating it from other elements

The cost of refinement

Its large mass

The main issue about hydrogen as an alternative energy source is the cost of refinement. While hydrogen is a clean and abundant energy source, it requires a complex and expensive process to separate it from other elements and refine it for use. This cost of refinement poses a significant challenge in making hydrogen a viable alternative to traditional energy sources.

Explanation

The main issue about hydrogen as an alternative energy source is the cost of refinement. While hydrogen is a clean and abundant energy source, it requires a complex and expensive process to separate it from other elements and refine it for use. This cost of refinement poses a significant challenge in making hydrogen a viable alternative to traditional energy sources.

5. These two basic elements are needed to make fuel cells work

Hydrogen

Oxygen

Water

Fuel cells work by converting chemical energy from a fuel source into electrical energy. In this case, the two basic elements needed are hydrogen and water. Hydrogen acts as the fuel source, while water is used as a reactant in the fuel cell. The process involves the splitting of water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas, with the hydrogen gas being used as the fuel in the fuel cell. Therefore, both hydrogen and water are essential for the functioning of fuel cells.

Explanation

Fuel cells work by converting chemical energy from a fuel source into electrical energy. In this case, the two basic elements needed are hydrogen and water. Hydrogen acts as the fuel source, while water is used as a reactant in the fuel cell. The process involves the splitting of water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen gas, with the hydrogen gas being used as the fuel in the fuel cell. Therefore, both hydrogen and water are essential for the functioning of fuel cells.

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