Chapter 21, Problem 38A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for fuel cells not being widely used although they generate electrical energy without any air pollution needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of the fuel to electrical energy. Here, redox reactions are responsible for the generation of electricity. Fuel cells require continuous energy sources of fuel and oxygen for a chemical reaction to take place. Thus, a fuel cell can produce electricity as long as there is a supply of fuel and oxygen.

Explanation of Solution

A simple fuel cell involves the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen gas thus, the only product formed in the reaction is liquid water. The reason fuel cells to not widely used is that they required oxygen gas and hydrogen gas which are expensive to generate. Hydrogen gas is also difficult to store and currently, there are few filling stations available. Also, the cost of energy produced from the hydrogen fuel cell is more than any other energy source.