Look at the equations for the reactions that happen at each side of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 9
Look at the equations for the reactions that happen at each side of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.
Reaction 1:
$$2H_2(g) \rightarrow 4H^+(aq) + 4e^-$$
Reaction 2: ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Look at the equations for the reactions that happen at each side of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell - OCR Gateway - GCSE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Reaction 1: 2H2(g) → 4H+(aq) + 4e−
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Answer
In Reaction 1, hydrogen gas (H2) loses electrons to form protons (H+). This process is defined as oxidation, since electrons are being lost.
Step 2
Reaction 2: 4H+(aq) + O2(g) + 4e− → 2H2O(g)
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Answer
In Reaction 2, protons (H+) gain electrons as they combine with oxygen (O2) to form water (H2O). This process is classified as reduction, since electrons are being gained.
Step 3
Correct Row Identification
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Answer
Based on the analyses above, the correct answer is row C: Oxidation because electrons are lost for Reaction 1, and Reduction because electrons are gained for Reaction 2.
