ICT 21

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

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Name: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________
The hydrogen fuel cell is being considered as a possible alternative source of electrical
power. Fuel cells produce power efficiently and with less pollution than the combustion
of fossil fuels, such as gasoline. As you explore the web site, you will:
identify the basic components of a fuel cell;
learn how the fuel cell generates energy; and
describe the chemical reactions used to generate electrical energy.
What to Do
Follow the steps in each part.
If you are doing this from a printed master, record your answers in your Science Log or
notebook.
If you are using a word processor, enter your answers electronically. Remember to save
your work as you go.
Part A: What Is a Fuel Cell?
1. Go to the How Stuff Works web site called How Fuel Cells Work.
2. Read the information and answer the following questions.
What Did You Discover?
1. (a) What type of energy conversion device is a fuel cell?
Its combustion
(b) Identify the two gases that fuel cells use to recharge.
Gas turbine and gasoline engine
2. List three energy conversion devices that the fuel cell could replace.
Power plant, battery, and gas in your car.
3. Explain how a gasoline engine works.
Gasoline engine burns fuels and use the pressure created by the
expansion on gases to do mechanical work.
4. How do batteries work?
Batteries convert chemical energy back into electrical energy when
needed
5. Use a mind map or other visual to show how fuel cells are classified.
A fuel cell should be able to do both things.
Part B: Proton Exchange Membrane
1. Click on the Next Page icon at the bottom of the page. You will be on the page titled
Proton Exchange Membrane.

Copyright 2003 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited

2. Read the information about the parts of a fuel cell and use the animation to see how a
fuel cell works.
3. Answer the following questions.
What Did You Discover?
1. Use a chart similar to the one that follows to record what you learned.
In the first column, list the elements of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell.
In the second column, provide a brief description of each element.
In the third column, write the function of each element.
Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Element
Description
cathode
Positive post of the
fuel cell
Anode
The negative post of
the fuel cell
catalyst
Special material the
facilitates
Proton exchange
The specially treated
membrane
material

Function
Distributes oxygen
It conducts electrons
Facilitates oxygen and
hydrogen
The membrane blocks
electrons

2. (a) Where do hydrogen gas molecules enter the fuel cell?

It enters in the Anode.
(b) What happens when a hydrogen gas (H2(g)) molecule contacts a catalyst?
It splits in to two ions and two electrons.
(c) What happens to the two electrons released when the hydrogen gas (H2(g))molecule
splits?
(d) What happens on the cathode side of the fuel cell?
It forms two new oxygen atoms
(e) What happens after the two oxygen atoms form?
It attracts two ions
3. (a) Write the chemical reaction that occurs on the anode side of a fuel cell.
(b) Write the chemical reaction that occurs on the cathode side of the fuel cell.
It attracts negative charge.
(c) Write the net chemical reaction.
The net chemical reaction is knowing how fuel cell works.

Copyright 2003 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Limited