# A student claims that hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are better for the environment than power stations that burn coal to generate electricity. Evaluate this claim.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620) — 4.2 Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells · Evaluate · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fuel cells produce only water as a product / no carbon dioxide or polluting gases produced during operation
2. Coal-burning power stations release carbon dioxide (and/or sulfur dioxide / nitrogen oxides), contributing to pollution or climate change
3. Counter-argument: hydrogen is often produced by electrolysis or reforming of fossil fuels / the production of hydrogen may itself generate carbon dioxide or use electricity from non-renewable sources
4. Balanced conclusion: claim is partly valid / fuel cells are better at point of use but overall environmental benefit depends on the hydrogen source / if hydrogen is from renewables then the claim is fully supported

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Cambridge International IGCSE Chemistry (0620)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-claims-that-hydrogen-oxygen-fuel-165ef52d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.