In a fuel cell based on the oxidation of methane, the equation for the anode half reaction is
CH₄(g) + 2H₂O(l) → CO₂(g) + 8H⁺(aq) + 8e⁻
The corresponding equation for the half reaction at the cathode is
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 5
In a fuel cell based on the oxidation of methane, the equation for the anode half reaction is
CH₄(g) + 2H₂O(l) → CO₂(g) + 8H⁺(aq) + 8e⁻
The corresponding equation ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In a fuel cell based on the oxidation of methane, the equation for the anode half reaction is
CH₄(g) + 2H₂O(l) → CO₂(g) + 8H⁺(aq) + 8e⁻
The corresponding equation for the half reaction at the cathode is
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the anode half reaction
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Answer
The given anode half reaction is:
CH4(g)+2H2O(l)→CO2(g)+8H+(aq)+8e−
This reaction represents the oxidation of methane, where it is converted to carbon dioxide, protons, and electrons.
Step 2
Determine the corresponding cathode reaction
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Answer
In a fuel cell, the cathode reaction typically involves the reduction of protons in the presence of oxygen. Among the given options for the cathode reaction, the correct one is:
D.4H+(aq)+O2(g)→2H2O(l)
This equation shows the reduction of protons and oxygen to produce water, which corresponds correctly to the overall redox process in a fuel cell.