Question

In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas are combined to form water. Write the balanced chemical equation describing this reaction using the lowest whole‑number coefficients. chemical equation: Identify the oxidizing agent. hydrogen water oxygen Identify the reducing agent. hydrogen oxygen water Determine the number of electrons transferred in the balanced chemical equation. number of electrons transferred:

Answer 1

Anode:

H2(g) ------> 2H^2+(aq) + 2e

Cathode;

1/2 O2(g) + 2H^2+(aq) + 2e -----> H2O(l)

Two electrons are transferred in the reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

A fuel cell is a device that converts chemical potential energy (energy stored in molecular bonds) into electrical energy.

A normal fuel cell works by passing hydrogen gas through the anode of a the cell and oxygen through the cathode. At the anode, a catalyst splits the hydrogen molecules into electrons and protons. The protons pass through a porous electrolyte membrane, while the electrons are forced through a circuit, generating an electric current and heat. At the cathode, protons, electrons, and oxygen combine to produce water molecules.

The oxidizing agent in a fuel cell is oxygen while the reducing agent in a fuel cell is hydrogen.

Anode:

H2(g) ------> 2H^2+(aq) + 2e

Cathode;

1/2 O2(g) + 2H^2+(aq) + 2e -----> H2O(l)