What are the major steps in the operation of a hydrogen fuel cell?
Hydrogen in, Oxygen in, Electrolyte action, Proton journey, Electron flow, Water formation.
Describe the ionization process within a hydrogen fuel cell.
At the anode, hydrogen molecules are split into protons (H+) and electrons (e-).
Explain how electricity is generated in a hydrogen fuel cell.
Electrons flow through an external circuit from anode to cathode, creating an electric current.
What happens to protons in a hydrogen fuel cell?
Protons travel through the electrolyte from the anode to the cathode.
How is water formed in a hydrogen fuel cell?
At the cathode, protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to form water (H2O).
Describe the movement of electrons in a hydrogen fuel cell.
Electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, generating electricity.
Describe the first step in hydrogen fuel cell operation.
Hydrogen gas (H₂) is fed into the anode (negative electrode).
Describe the second step in hydrogen fuel cell operation.
Oxygen (O₂) from the air enters the cathode (positive electrode).
Describe the final step in hydrogen fuel cell operation.
At the cathode, protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to form water (H₂O).
Describe the role of the external circuit in hydrogen fuel cell operation.
Electrons are forced to travel through an external circuit, generating electricity.
Define hydrogen fuel cell.
Device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat.
What is an anode?
The negative electrode in a fuel cell where hydrogen gas is fed.
What is a cathode?
The positive electrode in a fuel cell where oxygen from the air enters.
Define electrolyte (in fuel cell context).
A substance between the anode and cathode that allows ions to move.
What is PEM fuel cell?
Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell; commonly used in vehicles and portable devices.
Define cogeneration.
Producing both heat and electricity.
Define fuel cell efficiency.
Measure of how much energy is converted to electricity versus wasted.
What is a byproduct?
A secondary product made in the manufacture or synthesis of something else.
Define renewable energy.
Energy that is collected from renewable resources that are naturally replenished.
What is a pollutant?
A substance or thing that pollutes something, especially water or the atmosphere.
What is the effect of using hydrogen fuel cells on air quality?
Improved air quality due to the absence of harmful emissions; only water is produced.
What is the effect of high manufacturing costs on hydrogen fuel cell adoption?
High costs hinder widespread adoption due to economic barriers.
What is the effect of limited hydrogen availability on fuel cell use?
Restricts fuel cell use due to lack of infrastructure and supply.
What is the effect of hydrogen flammability on fuel cell design?
Requires stringent safety measures to prevent accidents.
What is the effect of high efficiency of fuel cells on energy consumption?
Reduces energy waste and lowers overall energy consumption.
What is the effect of using fossil fuels to produce hydrogen?
Offsets some environmental benefits due to carbon emissions from hydrogen production.
What is the effect of quiet fuel cell operation on urban environments?
Reduces noise pollution, making them suitable for residential areas.
What is the effect of using PEM fuel cells in vehicles?
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
What is the effect of developing hydrogen fuel cell technology on job creation?
Stimulates economic growth by creating new jobs in manufacturing, research, and infrastructure.
What is the effect of water being the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells?
Minimizes environmental pollution and reduces the impact on ecosystems.
