# Evaluate the use of hydrogen fuel cells compared to alkaline batteries as sources of electrical energy in portable devices.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Fuel cells are supplied continuously with fuel (hydrogen) from an external source, so they do not run out / stop working as long as fuel is supplied
2. Alkaline batteries are non-rechargeable / the chemical reactions stop when one of the reactants has been used up
3. Fuel cells produce only water as a by-product / do not produce polluting waste products, making them more environmentally friendly than alkaline batteries
4. A disadvantage of hydrogen fuel cells is that hydrogen fuel must be stored / hydrogen is difficult or potentially dangerous to store, or alkaline batteries are more convenient / readily available for portable devices

## Key terms

- [fuel cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fuel-cells)
- [alkaline batteries](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkaline-batteries)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Evaluate" 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/evaluate-the-use-of-hydrogen-fuel-79f93e3f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.