ok i need to figure out how a balanced reaction of a fuel cell would look like. you know a source of hydrogen power.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-cell.htm
To determine the balanced reaction of a hydrogen fuel cell, we need to understand the chemical reaction taking place during the cell's operation.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of a fuel (in this case, hydrogen) and an oxidant (typically oxygen) directly into electrical energy. In a hydrogen fuel cell, the main reactions occur at the anode and cathode.
Here's how you can determine the balanced reaction for a hydrogen fuel cell:
1. Identify the reactants and products: The reactants are hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), while the products are water (H2O) and heat (energy).
2. Write the half-reactions: Split the overall reaction into two half-reactions, representing the oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode.
- At the anode (oxidation): H2 → 2H+ + 2e-
- At the cathode (reduction): O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O
3. Balance the number of electrons in each half-reaction: In the anode half-reaction, two electrons are produced, while in the cathode half-reaction, four electrons are consumed. To balance the electrons, we need to multiply the anode half-reaction by 2:
- Anode (oxidation): 2H2 → 4H+ + 4e-
- Cathode (reduction): O2 + 4H+ + 4e- → 2H2O
4. Combine the balanced half-reactions: Add the half-reactions together and cancel out the common species on both sides (in this case, 4H+ and 4e-):
- Overall balanced reaction: 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
So, the balanced reaction for a hydrogen fuel cell is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O.
For a more detailed understanding of how fuel cells work, you can refer to the provided link for a comprehensive article on fuel cells.