Fuel Cells

Chemistry: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.2.5

Fuel Cells and Their Advantages

Fuel cells produce electrical energy using a reaction between an external fuel source (often hydrogen) and oxygen. The fuel is added to the cell and then there is a constant supply of oxygen. The fuel is oxidised and this creates a voltage. Advantages of fuel cells include:

High efficiency

High efficiency

Less pollution than traditional methods

Less pollution than traditional methods

Compact and lightweight

Compact and lightweight

Reliable

Reliable

  • The absence of moving parts means they are reliable.

Test yourself on Fuel Cells

  • What happens during the reaction inside a fuel cell?

  • Why are fuel cells highly efficient?

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