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The writer Jules Verne (1828-1905) said “Water decomposed into its elements will be the fuel of the future” - Junior Cycle Science - Question d - 2013
Question d
The writer Jules Verne (1828-1905) said “Water decomposed into its elements will be the fuel of the future”. The photograph shows a car that uses hydrogen as a fuel.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The writer Jules Verne (1828-1905) said “Water decomposed into its elements will be the fuel of the future” - Junior Cycle Science - Question d - 2013
Step 1
How can hydrogen be produced from water?
Answer
Hydrogen can be produced from water through a process called electrolysis. In this method, an electric current is passed through water, causing it to break down into its constituent elements: hydrogen and oxygen. The process requires a suitable setup, including an electrolysis apparatus that typically consists of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, immersed in water. When the current flows, hydrogen gas is collected at the cathode and oxygen at the anode.
Step 2
Why is the exhaust emission from such a car environmentally safe?
Answer
The exhaust emission from hydrogen-powered cars is environmentally safe because the only byproduct produced during combustion is water vapor. Unlike conventional gasoline or diesel engines, hydrogen combusts without generating carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other harmful pollutants. This means that there is no contribution to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions from the vehicle, making it a clean alternative in terms of environmental impact.