Worksheet for Will Fuel Cells Replace Gasoline Powered Cars

Worksheet for Chemistry Inside Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars?

Use this web site to help you answer the following questions. http://www.gm.com/explore/education/popups/fc_energy/fuelcell_interactive.html Road to the Future: Part 1: Fuel Cell Systems 1. Define fuel cell:

2. What powers a fuel cell car?

3. What is the purpose of the fuel tank in a Hydrogen powered car?

Part 2: The fuel cell 1. Why do they stack fuel cells?

2. Fuel cells require hydrogen and oxygen. a. Which of the 2 substances is readily available in the air?

b. List the 2 main sources of hydrogen. 1. 2. c. What is a fuel cell’s only emission

Part 2: The fuel cell – Inside the fuel cell 1. Define anode:

2. A catalyst is a substance which accelerates a chemical reaction. a. The platinum catalyst accelerates the reaction between what 2 substances?

3. What is the PEM and how does it work in the fuel cell?

4. Define cathode:

5. What is the purpose of the cathode?

CONTINUE ON REVERSE Part 3 Fuel cell chemistry What happens on the anode side? 1. How does hydrogen gas (H2) enter the system?

2. What happens when the H2 molecule hits the catalyst? Identify the 2 pieces.

3. Where do the electrons go and what is their job?

4. Finish this equation: 2 H2 

What happens on the cathode side? 1. What gas enters the fuel cell on the cathode side?

2. What is the function of the catalyst?

3. How are the H+ ions forced through the membrane?

4. What comes out of the exhaust pipe of a fuel cell car?

+ - 5. Finish this equation: O2 + 4H  4e  2 H20