Fuel cells
I can describe how a hydrogen fuel cell works and compare one to an electric cell.
Fuel cells
I can describe how a hydrogen fuel cell works and compare one to an electric cell.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- One type of fuel cell contains hydrogen that reacts with oxygen from the air to produce a voltage.
- Hydrogen used in fuel cells can be extracted from fossil fuels or produced by electrolysis powered by the National Grid.
- Other fuel cells exist, but have other products than just water.
- There are many strengths and weaknesses of fuel cells, and these should be compared against other energy sources.
Common misconception
Confusing electrode reactions with those that occur in electrolysis. For example in a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen is oxidised at the anode but in electrolysis, hydrogen is produced at the cathode.
Discuss the electrode reactions in terms of electron loss or gain; rather that just relying on memory. This will provide pupils with the tools to work out the electrode reactions.
Keywords
Fuel cell - a device that produces a voltage when supplied with a fuel and oxygen
National Grid - the network that connects all the power stations in the country to make sure that everywhere has access to electricity
Fossil fuel - a fuel that formed over millions of years from the dead remains of organisms
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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