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Natural gas can be burnt in a power station to provide electrical energy - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 6
Natural gas can be burnt in a power station to provide electrical energy. Alternatively, natural gas can be fed into a fuel cell for electricity generation. At the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Natural gas can be burnt in a power station to provide electrical energy - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which one of the following best compares the efficiency and cost of generating electrical energy by these two methods in a city like Melbourne?
Answer
To analyze the efficiency and cost of generating electrical energy from natural gas, we must consider both methods:
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Efficiency of Fuel Cell: Fuel cells typically convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy with higher efficiency compared to combustion methods used in power stations. Hence, the efficiency of fuel cells is generally considered to be higher.
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Cost per kJ of Electricity from Fuel Cell: While fuel cells are more efficient, the initial investment and operational costs can be higher compared to traditional power generation methods. Therefore, the cost per kJ of electricity generated from fuel cells can also be higher.
Given that both aspects are evaluated, the best option that reflects this comparison is:
B. higher, higher