In a hydrogen fuel cell, which two gases react to produce electricity?

In a hydrogen fuel cell, which two gases react to produce electricity?

• A. Hydrogen and oxygen
• B. Hydrogen and nitrogen
• C. Oxygen and carbon dioxide
• D. Nitrogen and methane

Answer: (A)

Hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen gas to produce electricity in a hydrogen fuel cell. In operation, hydrogen is oxidized at the anode, releasing electrons that flow through an external circuit to do work, while protons move through the electrolyte to the cathode where they combine with oxygen and the electrons to form water. The overall reaction is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O. Oxygen serves as the oxidant, and hydrogen is the fuel; nitrogen in air is largely inert in this process, and carbon dioxide or methane aren’t the reactants in this setup.

Hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen gas to produce electricity in a hydrogen fuel cell. In operation, hydrogen is oxidized at the anode, releasing electrons that flow through an external circuit to do work, while protons move through the electrolyte to the cathode where they combine with oxygen and the electrons to form water. The overall reaction is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O. Oxygen serves as the oxidant, and hydrogen is the fuel; nitrogen in air is largely inert in this process, and carbon dioxide or methane aren’t the reactants in this setup.