Chemical cells and fuel cells

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What is a chemical cell?

  • A chemical cell is a source of electrical energy.
  • It is made from two electrodes (usually metals of different reactivity) placed in an electrolyte.
  • The electrodes are connected by wires to an external circuit, creating a complete circuit.
  • The more reactive metal releases electrons more easily, giving it a negative charge.
  • Electrons flow through the external circuit from the more reactive electrode to the less reactive electrode.
  • The difference in the ability of the electrodes to release electrons produces a voltage (potential difference).

Factors affecting voltage

  • The type of electrode affects the voltage: the greater the difference in reactivity between the two metals, the greater the voltage.
  • The electrolyte also affects the voltage because different ions react with the electrodes in different ways.
  • Using two electrodes made of the same metal produces 0 V because there is no difference in reactivity.
  • You can use the reactivity series to predict the voltage: metals further apart give a larger voltage.

Cells and batteries

  • A battery consists of two or more cells connected in series.
  • Connecting cells in series adds their voltages together, giving a larger overall voltage.
  • For example, three 1.5 V cells connected in series produce 4.5 V.
  • Cells produce a voltage only until one of the reactants is used up; then the battery goes flat.

Non-rechargeable and rechargeable cells

  • In non-rechargeable cells, the chemical reaction stops when one reactant is used up, so no more electricity is produced.
  • Alkaline batteries are examples of non-rechargeable batteries.
  • In rechargeable cells, the chemical reactions can be reversed by supplying an external electrical current.
  • Reversing the reactions allows the cell to be used again.
  • Rechargeable cells avoid the need to dispose of batteries as often, which is better for the environment.

Hydrogen fuel cells: how they work

  • A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell in which a fuel donates electrons at one electrode and oxygen gains electrons at the other.
  • Fuel cells need a continuous supply of fuel and oxygen (or air) to keep working.
  • The fuel is oxidised electrochemically within the cell, producing a potential difference (voltage).
  • In a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, hydrogen is oxidised and oxygen is reduced, producing water as the only chemical product.
  • The overall reaction is: hydrogen + oxygen → water.
  • The electrolyte is often potassium hydroxide solution or phosphoric acid, and electrodes are porous carbon coated with a catalyst.

Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell

Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell

Electrode reactions in hydrogen fuel cells (HT only)

  • At the anode (negative electrode), hydrogen is oxidised: 2H₂ → 4H⁺ + 4e⁻.
  • At the cathode (positive electrode), oxygen is reduced: 4H⁺ + O₂ + 4e⁻ → 2H₂O.
  • The overall reaction is: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O.
  • Electrons flow through the external circuit from anode to cathode, driving an electric motor.
  • Remember: the two half equations combine to give the overall equation.

Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells

  • They do not produce any pollution: the only product is water.
  • They produce more energy per kilogram than petrol or diesel.
  • No power is lost in transmission because there are no moving parts, unlike an internal combustion engine.
  • There are no batteries to dispose of, which is better for the environment.
  • They are a continuous process and keep producing energy as long as fuel is supplied.
  • They are quieter, so they cause less noise pollution.

Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells

  • Materials used in producing fuel cells are expensive.
  • High pressure tanks are needed to store hydrogen and oxygen, which are dangerous and difficult to handle.
  • Fuel cells are affected by low temperatures, becoming less efficient.
  • Hydrogen is expensive to produce and store.
  • They are quiet, which can be a danger to pedestrians if used in cars and lorries.

Comparing fuel cells with rechargeable cells and batteries

  • Fuel cells need a continuous fuel supply, whereas batteries store energy and run down.
  • Rechargeable batteries can be recharged by reversing the chemical reactions; fuel cells cannot be recharged.
  • Hydrogen fuel cells produce only water, while rechargeable batteries may contain harmful chemicals that need disposal.
  • Fuel cells are becoming more common in vehicles to replace petrol or diesel engines.
  • Hydrogen fuel cells offer a potential alternative to rechargeable cells and batteries.

Slide

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Câu hỏi luyện tập

Xem trước miễn phí — 8 trên 60 câu hỏi. Đăng ký để xem tất cả.
  1. 1.What name is given to the solution that contains ions and allows charge to flow between the electrodes in a simple cell?

    Easy
    • AElectrolyte
    • BElectrode
    • CVoltmeter
    • DAmmeter
  2. 2.A simple cell is made using two copper electrodes in sodium chloride solution. The voltmeter reads 0 V. What is the explanation for this reading?

    Easy
    • AThe circuit is not complete
    • BThe sodium chloride solution cannot conduct electricity
    • CThe electrodes are made of the same metal
    • DThe voltmeter is faulty
  3. 3.Three 1.5 V cells are connected correctly to form a battery. What is the total voltage produced?

    Medium
    • A1.5 V
    • B3.4 V
    • C3.0 V
    • D4.5 V
  4. 4.Which of the following factors affect the voltage produced by a simple cell? (select all that apply)

    Medium
    • AThe type of electrode used
    • BThe type of electrolyte used
    • CThe size of the voltmeter
    • DThe difference in reactivity of the two metals
    • EThe colour of the electrolyte solution
  5. 5.Which statement about non-rechargeable cells is correct?

    Medium
    • AThe chemical reactions can be reversed by supplying an external current
    • BThe reactions stop when one of the reactants has been used up
    • CThey can be recharged many times
    • DThey produce electricity indefinitely
  6. 6.Alkaline batteries are examples of non-rechargeable batteries.

    Easy

    True or false?

  7. 7.In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen undergoes reduction at the anode.

    Easy

    True or false?

  8. 8.Match each substance in a hydrogen fuel cell with its function.

    Medium
    • Potassium hydroxide solution
    • Hydrogen
    • Water
    • Electrolyte
    • Fuel
    • Waste product

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