/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 36 Discuss the advantages and disad... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 36

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of fuel cells over conventional power plants in producing electricity.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Fuel cells offer a number of advantages over conventional power plants, including higher efficiency, environmental friendliness, quiet operation, and scalability. However, they also have some disadvantages like high costs, the need for hydrogen as fuel, limited durability, and slow start-up.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Basics

Start by identifying the fundamental differences between fuel cells and traditional power plants. Fuel cells convert the chemical energy from a fuel into electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen or another oxidizing agent. Conventional power plants, on the contrary, typically generate electricity from the thermal energy to produce steam, which turns a turbine connected to an electricity generator.
02

Explore the Advantages of Fuel Cells

Now, investigate on the benefits of fuel cells. Some of these advantages include: (a) High Efficiency: Fuel cells are generally much more efficient than traditional power plants, as they convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy. (b) Environmentally Friendly: Since fuel cells only emit water and heat, they do not contribute to air pollution. (c) Quiet Operation: Fuel cells operate very quietly, which is suitable for use in populated areas. (d) Scalability: Fuel cells can be small enough to power a single home, or large enough to power a major facility.
03

Identify the Disadvantages of Fuel Cells

Despite the many advantages, fuel cells also have drawbacks such as: (a) High Costs: Today, fuel cells are expensive compared to traditional power generators. (b) Hydrogen Fuel: Most fuel cells use hydrogen, which is difficult to store and transport. (c) Durability: Fuel cells have a limited lifespan and may require regular maintenance. (d) Slow Start-Up: Many fuel cells cannot provide instant power but require a warm-up period.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Define the following terms: anode, cathode, cell voltage, electromotive force, standard reduction potential.

Write the Nernst equation and explain all the terms.

The cathode reaction in the Leclanch茅 cell is given by $$ 2 \mathrm{MnO}_{2}(s)+\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}(a q)+2 e^{-} \longrightarrow \mathrm{ZnMn}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}(s) $$ If a Leclanch茅 cell produces a current of \(0.0050 \mathrm{~A}\) calculate how many hours this current supply will last if there are initially \(4.0 \mathrm{~g}\) of \(\mathrm{MnO}_{2}\) present in the cell. Assume that there is an excess of \(\mathrm{Zn}^{2+}\) ions.

Comment on whether \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\) will become a stronger oxidizing agent with increasing \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) concentration.

Consider a galvanic cell composed of the SHE and a half-cell using the reaction \(\mathrm{Ag}^{+}(a q)+e^{-} \rightarrow \operatorname{Ag}(s)\). (a) Calculate the standard cell potential. (b) What is the spontaneous cell reaction under standard-state conditions? (c) Calculate the cell potential when \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]\) in the hydrogen electrode is changed to (i) \(1.0 \times\) \(10^{-2} M\) and (ii) \(1.0 \times 10^{-5} M,\) all other reagents being held at standard-state conditions. (d) Based on this cell arrangement, suggest a design for a pH meter.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.