1. Fuel CellsFuel Cells

2. DefinitionDefinition
Electricity can be converted from the energy of aElectricity can be converted from the energy of a
chemical reaction. A fuel cell converts thechemical reaction. A fuel cell converts the
chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water,chemicals hydrogen and oxygen into water,
while in the process producing electricity.while in the process producing electricity.

3. How do fuel cells work?How do fuel cells work?
The main purpose of a fuel cell is to produce anThe main purpose of a fuel cell is to produce an
electrical current that is then used as a source of energy.electrical current that is then used as a source of energy.
Hydrogen and oxygen are used as chemicals to produceHydrogen and oxygen are used as chemicals to produce
fuel cells. The fuel cell is based on the positive end of anfuel cells. The fuel cell is based on the positive end of an
electric circuit (anode) and negative end of the circuitelectric circuit (anode) and negative end of the circuit
(cathode). These ends are separated by an electrolyte,(cathode). These ends are separated by an electrolyte,
which is when one metal becomes the anode andwhich is when one metal becomes the anode and
corrodes, while the other acts as the cathode. Thecorrodes, while the other acts as the cathode. The
electric current is produced with the chemical reaction ofelectric current is produced with the chemical reaction of
the fuel and the oxidant. The fuel cells get the electronsthe fuel and the oxidant. The fuel cells get the electrons
from the hydrogen atoms. Then, the electrons movefrom the hydrogen atoms. Then, the electrons move
from the anode to the cathode. This is what creates thefrom the anode to the cathode. This is what creates the
electric current ends providing us with energy (power).electric current ends providing us with energy (power).

4. AdvantagesAdvantages
If fuel cells can beIf fuel cells can be
produced forproduced for
automobiles, pollutionautomobiles, pollution
rates can droprates can drop
significantly.significantly.
The only waste of thisThe only waste of this
hydrogen fuel cell wouldhydrogen fuel cell would
be the water that getsbe the water that gets
disposed, which can bedisposed, which can be
used to avoid theused to avoid the
overheating of the engineoverheating of the engine
that produces the cell.that produces the cell.