4.2.3

Comparing Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cells & Petrol

Test yourself

Comparing Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cells and Petrol Engines in Vehicles

Fuel cells are clean, efficient, quiet, but costly and hard to store. Petrol engines are cheaper, easy to refuel, but pollute, and are less efficient.

Illustrative background for Introduction to fuel cells and petrol enginesIllustrative background for Introduction to fuel cells and petrol engines ?? "content

Introduction to fuel cells and petrol engines

  • Vehicles can use petrol engines or hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells.
    • Petrol engines burn gasoline, releasing energy and carbon dioxide.
    • Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Electrochemistry explains how fuel cells convert chemical energy to electrical energy.
Illustrative background for Advantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cellsIllustrative background for Advantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells ?? "content

Advantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells

  • Fuel cells produce only water as a waste product, reducing pollution.
    • They have higher efficiency than petrol engines, using more energy from fuel.
  • Fuel cells provide quiet and smooth power for vehicles.
Illustrative background for Disadvantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cellsIllustrative background for Disadvantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells ?? "content

Disadvantages of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells

  • Hydrogen storage is difficult and costly, needing high-pressure tanks.
  • Fuel cell vehicles currently cost more than petrol cars.
  • Hydrogen production often uses fossil fuels, reducing environmental benefits.
  • Lack of refuelling stations limits fuel cell vehicle use.
Illustrative background for Advantages of petrol enginesIllustrative background for Advantages of petrol engines ?? "content

Advantages of petrol engines

  • Petrol engines have an established refuelling network.
  • Vehicles with petrol engines are currently cheaper to buy.
  • Petrol engines are simple to refuel quickly.
Illustrative background for Disadvantages of petrol enginesIllustrative background for Disadvantages of petrol engines ?? "content

Disadvantages of petrol engines

  • Petrol engines emit carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
    • They produce other pollutants harmful to health and the environment.
  • Petrol engines are less efficient than fuel cells.
  • Fossil fuel supply causes concerns about sustainability.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium