Hydrogen, H2, fuel cells and H2-powered combustion engines can both be used to power cars - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 13
Hydrogen, H2, fuel cells and H2-powered combustion engines can both be used to power cars. Three statements about H2 fuel cells and H2-powered combustion engines are... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Hydrogen, H2, fuel cells and H2-powered combustion engines can both be used to power cars - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
1. Neither H2 fuel cells nor H2-powered combustion engines produce greenhouse gases.
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Answer
This statement is correct, as hydrogen fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction, producing only water as a by-product. H2 combustion engines also predominantly emit water vapor when hydrogen is burned.
Step 2
2. Less H2 is required per kilometre travelled when using an H2-powered combustion engine than when using H2 fuel cells.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. Fuel cells are generally more efficient than combustion engines, meaning they require less hydrogen to travel the same distance.
Step 3
3. More heat per kilogram of H2 is generated in an H2-powered combustion engine than in H2 fuel cells.
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Answer
This statement is correct. H2 combustion engines typically convert a larger portion of the energy contained in hydrogen into heat, while fuel cells operate at a higher efficiency in converting chemical energy to electrical energy.