VCE Chemistry — Unit 3 AOS 1

Fuel Cells — Flashcards & Quiz

Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy by continuously feeding fuel and oxidant into separate half-cells, and they sit squarely in VCE Chemistry Unit 3 Area of Study 1 — "What are the current and future options for supplying energy?" You need to write the half-equations for hydrogen and methanol fuel cells in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes, balance them carefully, and compare fuel cells with galvanic cells (no exhaustion of reactants) and combustion engines (higher efficiency, fewer pollutants). Examiners often ask you to evaluate fuel cells in a sustainability context.

Last updated: March 2026