# A chemical cell is made from two different metal electrodes connected by an electrolyte. Explain why the voltage produced by a chemical cell eventually drops to zero, and explain why a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell does not have this limitation.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A chemical cell produces a voltage until one of the reactants (metals/electrolyte) is used up
2. The reaction in a chemical cell is not continuous / cannot be replenished (cell is not recharged/replaced)
3. A fuel cell is continuously supplied with hydrogen (fuel) and oxygen
4. So the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell continues to produce a voltage as long as hydrogen and oxygen are supplied / reactants are not used up

## 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)
- [electrolyte](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electrolyte)
- [voltage](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/voltage)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-chemical-cell-is-made-from-dba61bd8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.