The overall reaction for an acidic fuel cell is shown below - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 12
The overall reaction for an acidic fuel cell is shown below.
$$2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O$$
Porous electrodes are often used in acidic fuel cells because they
A.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The overall reaction for an acidic fuel cell is shown below - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. are highly reactive.
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Answer
While reactivity is important for electrodes, it is not the primary reason porous electrodes are used in acidic fuel cells.
Step 2
B. are cheap to produce and readily available.
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Answer
Cost and availability are often considered, but they do not address the functional benefits of porous electrodes.
Step 3
C. are more efficient than solid electrodes at moving charges and reactants.
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Answer
This is the correct answer as porous electrodes facilitate better movement and interaction of ions, enhancing the efficiency of the fuel cell.
Step 4
D. provide a surface for the hydrogen and oxygen to directly react together.
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Answer
Although porous electrodes do provide surface area, this is not their primary purpose; enhancing conductivity and ion movement is more critical.
