PLEASE HELP ME, FUEL CELLS!!!

[zibb3r]

Easy Chemistry Question!?

- What is the difference between a fuel cell and a galvanic cell?

- Why is KOH used as an electrolyte in the hydrogen oxygen fuel cell?

THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

And if anyone did the experiment with the coke can, or knows anything about it, what are the 2 half reactions that occur in the aluminium / air cell??



THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!

[thushan]

A fuel cell is a type of galvanic cell. All fuel cells have a continuous supply of all reactants.

Why is KOH used as an electrolyte? This is one possible electrolyte. The KOH serves to yield basic conditions - however (I think) using an acid electrolyte would be just as effective. However, why use an electrolyte? For the same reason as the reason we use a salt bridge. We need free mobile charges in solution in order to prevent polarisation of the circuit and hence to keep current flowing in the circuit.