Question detail
What is produced as a byproduct in a hydrogen fuel cell?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Chemical cells and fuel cells (chemistry only)
Question
- A. Oxygen gas
- B. Water
- C. Carbon dioxide
- D. Hydrogen gas
Answer
Water
Explanation
The overall reaction in a hydrogen fuel cell involves the oxidation of hydrogen, which produces water as a byproduct.
Common mistake
Misidentifying the Oxidation Step
Students often think the fuel (hydrogen) is reduced at the anode and the oxygen is oxidised at the cathode, confusing the direction of electron flow in a fuel cell.
In a hydrogen fuel cell, the fuel (hydrogen) is oxidised at the anode (H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2e⁻) and the oxygen is reduced at the cathode (O₂ + 4H⁺ + 4e⁻ → 2H₂O). The oxidation of hydrogen is the electrochemical reaction that generates electrons, not the reduction of oxygen.
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