Question

The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to ________.

A) reduce water to hydrogen and oxygen gases
B) convert water into a hydrocarbon
C) split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons
D) react water with Cl₃
E) split methane (CH₄) into hydrogen atoms and carbon

Answer 1

The initial step in a hydrogen fuel cell involves oxidizing hydrogen at the anode to produce hydrogen ions and electrons, which then flow through the circuit, creating electrical energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons. This process occurs at the anode of the fuel cell, where hydrogen gas (H₂) is oxidized, meaning that each hydrogen atom loses an electron, forming hydrogen ions.

• Hydrogen is oxidized to protons at the anode.
• The electrons are transferred through an external circuit to the cathode.
• At the cathode, oxygen is reduced and combines with H+ to form water (H₂O).

This electrochemical process enables the flow of electrons through the external circuit, generating electrical energy. The overall reaction is environmentally friendly, converting hydrogen and oxygen into water without pollution. However, the performance is currently limited by the slow four-electron reduction of oxygen at the cathode, a problem which is being addressed through research into better catalysts.