The space shuttle uses fuel cells( AFC's) to produce electricity . In these fuel cells,O2 reacts with water and electrons to produce OH- ioins travel to the other electrode where they react with H2 to release electrons and produce more water. Based on this information,write (deduce )the two balanced half reactions and the balanced overall raction for this type of fuel cell.

Nothing like handing it to you on a silver platter. You can take the full equation and write the two half cells.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alkaline_fuel_cell

To deduce the two balanced half-reactions and the balanced overall reaction for the fuel cell described, let's examine the information provided.

According to the information, in one half of the fuel cell, oxygen (O2) reacts with water (H2O) and electrons to produce hydroxide ions (OH-). In the other half, hydroxide ions react with hydrogen (H2) to release electrons and produce more water.

Based on this, we can deduce the following two half-reactions:

Half-Reaction 1:
O2 + 2H2O + 4e- → 4OH-

This half-reaction involves the reduction of oxygen and the production of hydroxide ions.

Half-Reaction 2:
2OH- → H2 + 2e-

This half-reaction involves the oxidation of hydroxide ions and the production of hydrogen gas.

Now, to obtain the overall balanced reaction, we combine the two half-reactions in a way that ensures the electrons cancel out:

Multiplying Half-Reaction 1 by 2:
2O2 + 4H2O + 8e- → 8OH-

Multiplying Half-Reaction 2 by 4:
8OH- → 4H2 + 8e-

Adding the two half-reactions together:
2O2 + 4H2O + 8e- + 8OH- → 8OH- + 4H2 + 8e-

Simplifying the equation:
2O2 + 4H2O → 4H2 + 4H2O

The final balanced overall reaction for this type of fuel cell is:
2O2 + 4H2O → 4H2 + 4H2O