Q57 · Practice questionComplex familiar5 marks
QUESTION 57 (5 marks)
A hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell operates in alkaline electrolyte.
a) Write the anode and cathode half-equations, using four electrons in each. [3 marks]
b) Show the overall equation after cancelling species. [1 marks]
c) Explain why the fuel cell can continue delivering current for longer than a sealed galvanic cell containing a fixed amount of reactants. [1 marks]
WORKED SOLUTION
5 marksPractice marking scheme
Anode: ; cathode: ; net .
Hydrogen is oxidised and oxygen reduced. Hydroxide and electrons cancel, as do two of the four anode waters. Reactants are supplied continuously and products can be removed.
- Balances hydrogen-oxidation atoms. [1 marks]
- Balances the anode charge with four electrons. [1 marks]
- Writes balanced oxygen-reduction half-equation. [1 marks]
- Obtains net formation of two waters. [1 marks]
- Explains continuous supply of reactants. [1 marks]
Practice question aligned to the current QCAA syllabus; review the worked solution and marking criteria.
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