# A chemical cell and a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell can both be used to produce a voltage. Describe how a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell works and explain one way in which it differs from a chemical cell in terms of how long it can continue to produce a voltage.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 5.4 Chemical cells and fuel cells (Chem only) · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is continuously supplied with hydrogen (fuel) and oxygen
2. Hydrogen donates electrons at one electrode and oxygen gains electrons at the other electrode
3. Water is the only product of the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell / overall reaction is 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
4. A chemical cell stops producing voltage when one of the reactants is used up, whereas a fuel cell continues to produce a voltage as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied

## Key terms

- [chemical cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chemical-cell)
- [fuel cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fuel-cell)
- [hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/hydrogen-oxygen-fuel-cell)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-chemical-cell-and-a-hydrogen-oxygen-9db72a4a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.