Final answer:
The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process, known as electrolysis involves applying an electric current to water which results in the separation of hydrogen atoms from oxygen thereby producing hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process where hydrogen is oxidized at the anode and oxygen is reduced at the cathode combining to form water as a waste product.
Fuel cells are similar to batteries in that they create an electrical current but unlike batteries, they require a continuous supply of fuel (hydrogen) and oxidizer (oxygen).