Hydrogen Fuel Cell (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

10 mins10 questions
11 mark

Which of the following best describes how electricity is generated in a hydrogen fuel cell?

  • Hydrogen gas is burned to produce heat, which then drives a steam turbine connected to an electric generator.

  • Hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen in an electrochemical cell, producing electricity, water, and heat.

  • Hydrogen atoms are split into protons and electrons using nuclear fission, releasing energy that is converted into electricity.

  • Hydrogen gas is compressed and used to spin a turbine directly, generating electricity through mechanical motion.

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21 mark

Which of the following describes a drawback to using hydrogen fuel cells for energy generation?

  • Hydrogen fuel cells emit significant greenhouse gases during operation.

  • The production and storage of hydrogen are currently expensive and energy-intensive.

  • Hydrogen fuel cells are less efficient than traditional combustion-based power generation.

  • Hydrogen is abundantly available in its pure form in nature.

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31 mark

The Benefits of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising solution for clean and efficient energy production. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, which release harmful greenhouse gases and pollutants, hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process that emits only water vapor and heat. This makes them an environmentally friendly alternative for powering vehicles, homes, and industries.

One of the major benefits of hydrogen fuel cells is their high energy efficiency. According to researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy, “Hydrogen fuel cells can be two to three times more efficient than internal combustion engines.” This efficiency means that less fuel is needed to produce the same amount of energy, reducing overall resource consumption.

Additionally, hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making it a sustainable long-term energy source. When produced using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, hydrogen fuel can be completely emissions-free, helping to combat climate change.

While challenges such as production costs and infrastructure development remain, advancements in technology continue to improve hydrogen fuel’s viability. As investments grow, hydrogen fuel cells have the potential to revolutionize the energy sector by providing a clean, renewable, and efficient alternative to fossil fuels.

Which of the following describes the author's claim about hydrogen fuel cells?

  • Hydrogen fuel cells are inefficient and produce high emissions.

  • Hydrogen fuel cells offer a clean and efficient energy alternative.

  • Hydrogen fuel cells are only useful for small-scale applications.

  • Hydrogen fuel cells are more polluting than fossil fuels.

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41 mark

What is the primary byproduct of a hydrogen fuel cell during operation?

  • Carbon dioxide

  • Methane

  • Water vapor

  • Nitrogen oxides

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51 mark

Which of the following best explains why hydrogen is considered a clean fuel?

  • It emits fewer particulates than coal

  • It releases methane when burned

  • It can only be used in internal combustion engines

  • It produces only water when used in a fuel cell

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61 mark

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using hydrogen fuel cells?

  • They emit high levels of carbon monoxide

  • Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport

  • They are less efficient than gasoline engines

  • They produce high levels of sulfur dioxide

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71 mark

How is hydrogen most commonly produced today?

  • Electrolysis using solar power

  • Combustion of natural gas

  • Steam reforming of methane

  • Evaporation of seawater

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81 mark

Why is hydrogen considered a secondary energy source?

  • It is not naturally found in a usable form and must be produced

  • It can be used directly from natural reserves

  • It is more efficient than all other fuels

  • It produces nuclear waste as a byproduct

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91 mark

What advantage do hydrogen fuel cells offer for transportation?

  • They are heavier than batteries

  • Fuel cell systems are cheap to produce

  • They can be refueled quickly compared to charging electric vehicles

  • They are a renewable source of energy

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101 mark

Which of the following challenges must be addressed to increase hydrogen fuel use?

  • It must be mined from underground sources

  • Hydrogen cannot be used in vehicles

  • Hydrogen is flammable and requires safe infrastructure

  • It produces large amounts of air pollution

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