What is a fuel cell and how does it work?

A fuel cell converts the chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electrical energy through reaction with oxygen like a battery that never runs out as long as fuel is supplied.

How it works:

• At the anode: H₂ → H⁺ + electrons (electrons travel through external circuit = electricity)
• At the cathode: O₂ + H⁺ + electrons → H₂O
• Overall: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O + Electrical Energy
• Only by-product: water vapour extremely clean.
• Used in spacecraft, electric vehicles, backup power.

A fuel cell generates electricity by chemically combining hydrogen and oxygen, producing only water as a by-product.