Fuel CellsFuel Cells

DefinitionDefinition

Electricity can be converted from the energy of a Electricity can be converted from the energy of a chemical reaction. A fuel cell converts the chemical reaction. A fuel cell converts the chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water, while in the process producing electricity.while in the process producing electricity.

How do fuel cells work?How do fuel cells work?

The main purpose of a fuel cell is to produce an The main purpose of a fuel cell is to produce an electrical current that is then used as a source of energy. electrical current that is then used as a source of energy. Hydrogen and oxygen are used as chemicals to produce Hydrogen and oxygen are used as chemicals to produce fuel cells. The fuel cell is based on the positive end of an fuel cells. The fuel cell is based on the positive end of an electric circuit (anode) and negative end of the circuit electric circuit (anode) and negative end of the circuit (cathode). These ends are separated by an electrolyte, (cathode). These ends are separated by an electrolyte, which is when one metal becomes the anode and which is when one metal becomes the anode and corrodes, while the other acts as the cathode. The corrodes, while the other acts as the cathode. The electric current is produced with the chemical reaction of electric current is produced with the chemical reaction of the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel cells get the electrons the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel cells get the electrons from the hydrogen atoms. Then, the electrons move from from the hydrogen atoms. Then, the electrons move from the anode to the cathode. This is what creates the the anode to the cathode. This is what creates the electric current ends providing us with energy (power). electric current ends providing us with energy (power).

AdvantagesAdvantages

If fuel cells can be If fuel cells can be produced for produced for automobiles, pollution automobiles, pollution rates can drop rates can drop significantly. significantly. The only waste of this The only waste of this hydrogen fuel cell would hydrogen fuel cell would be the water that gets be the water that gets disposed, which can be disposed, which can be used to avoid the used to avoid the overheating of the engine overheating of the engine that produces the cell. that produces the cell.