Interpretation: The overall reaction in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell needs to be determined. The product formed needs to be identified. Also, the half-reactions in the cell need to be described.
Concept Introduction: In an
In oxidation, the loss of electrons takes place by an element and its oxidation state increases Similarly in reduction, the gain of electrons takes place by an element. Here, the oxidation state of the element decreases.
Explanation of Solution
The overall reaction in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is as follows:
Here, the product formed is water.
In the hydrogen-oxidation fuel cell, hydroxide ions from KOH are used to carry current. Here, hydroxide ions contain oxygen and water is formed at the anode. The dissociation of KOH electrolyte is represented as follows:
Here, hydrogen (neutral) at the anode reacts with hydroxide ions to form water. The reaction is represented as follows:
Similarly, at the cathode, hydroxide ions are regenerated by the electrons.
The overall cell reaction will be:
Chapter 21 Solutions
Chemistry 2012 Student Edition (hard Cover) Grade 11
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