# A hydrogen fuel cell uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce a potential difference. Describe how a hydrogen fuel cell works and give one advantage of using a hydrogen fuel cell compared with a non-rechargeable alkaline battery.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.5.2 Chemical cells and fuel cells (Chem only) · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Hydrogen (fuel) is supplied from an external source / hydrogen is oxidised electrochemically within the fuel cell
2. Oxygen (or air) is also supplied from an external source
3. The reaction between hydrogen and oxygen produces a potential difference (electricity)
4. One advantage: the fuel cell can operate continuously as long as fuel is supplied / does not run out like a non-rechargeable battery / only produces water as a by-product (no harmful waste / more environmentally friendly)

## Key terms

- [fuel cell](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fuel-cell)
- [potential difference](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/potential-difference)
- [non-rechargeable](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/non-rechargeable)
- [alkaline battery](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkaline-battery)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" 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-hydrogen-fuel-cell-uses-hydrogen-68c5bd59) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.