Fuel Cells

• What are fuel cells used for?

  To produce electrical energy
• Why do fuel cells need fuel to operate?

  They require fuel and oxygen to produce energy
• What is a fuel cell?

  An electrical cell supplied with fuel and oxygen
• What happens when fuel enters a fuel cell?

  It becomes oxidized and sets up a potential difference
• What types of fuel cells exist?

  Different types using various fuels and electrolytes
• What do hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells produce?

  Clean water and energy
• What is the role of the anode in a fuel cell?

  It loses electrons during oxidation
• What is the role of the cathode in a fuel cell?

  It gains electrons during reduction
• How do electrons flow in a fuel cell?

  From anode to cathode through an external circuit
• What is produced at the anode during the reaction?

  Hydrogen ions and electrons
• What is produced at the cathode during the reaction?

  Water from hydrogen ions and electrons
• What is the overall reaction in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell?

  2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
• What is the significance of the external circuit in a fuel cell?

  It allows electron flow to generate electricity
• How does the reaction in a fuel cell differ from combustion?

  Fuel cells produce energy without combustion
• What is the environmental benefit of using fuel cells?

  They produce clean water as a byproduct
• What is a limitation of conventional fuels for vehicles?

  They have a finite supply
• Why might hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells be preferred over fossil fuels?

  They are renewable and produce no emissions
• What challenges do fuel cells face in widespread adoption?

  Infrastructure and cost of hydrogen production
• How do fuel cells contribute to energy sustainability?

  By providing a clean energy source for vehicles
• What is a potential application of fuel cells?

  Powering electric vehicles
• How do fuel cells compare to batteries?

  Fuel cells continuously produce energy, batteries store it
• What is the role of catalysts in fuel cells?

  To speed up the reactions at electrodes
• What is the main challenge in hydrogen storage?

  Hydrogen has a low energy density
• What is a common method for hydrogen production?

  Electrolysis of water
• Why is hydrogen considered a clean fuel?

  It produces only water when burned
• How does the efficiency of fuel cells compare to internal combustion engines?

  Fuel cells are generally more efficient
• What is the significance of the electrolyte in a fuel cell?

  It allows ions to move between electrodes
• What is the main byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells?

  Water
• How do fuel cells contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

  By using hydrogen, which produces no emissions
• What are the potential future developments for fuel cells?

  Improved efficiency and lower production costs
• What is the role of the external circuit in a fuel cell?

  It allows electrons to flow and generate electricity
• What is a key advantage of using fuel cells in vehicles?

  They produce zero emissions
• How do fuel cells help in energy transition?

  By providing a clean alternative to fossil fuels
• What is the impact of fuel cells on energy security?

  They reduce dependence on imported fuels
• What is the significance of the hydrogen economy?

  It promotes the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source
• What is a disadvantage of hydrogen as a fuel?

  It requires complex storage solutions
• How can fuel cells be integrated into renewable energy systems?

  By using excess renewable energy to produce hydrogen
• What are the challenges of scaling up fuel cell technology?

  Cost, infrastructure, and production efficiency
• What is the role of research in fuel cell development?

  To improve efficiency and reduce costs
• What is a potential benefit of fuel cells in transportation?

  Reduced greenhouse gas emissions