Prelims 2024 · Science and Technology · Question 97
Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?
Answer
Water vapour
- (a) Hydrogen peroxide: Fuel-cell vehicles do not emit hydrogen peroxide from the exhaust. In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (b) Hydronium: Hydronium ion exists in aqueous chemistry, not as an exhaust emission from hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (c) Oxygen: Oxygen is a reactant taken from air in the fuel cell; it is not the main exhaust emission. Verdict: Incorrect.
- (d) Water vapour: The net reaction in a hydrogen fuel cell is hydrogen + oxygen -> water, along with electricity and heat. Hence the exhaust is mainly water vapour. Verdict: Correct.