# Explain why a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is considered more advantageous than a chemical cell for powering a vehicle.

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

> Engineers are comparing different energy sources for electric vehicles. One option is a traditional chemical cell, and another is a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A chemical cell stops producing voltage when one of the reactants is used up / the cell runs out
2. A fuel cell continuously produces a voltage as long as fuel and oxygen are supplied
3. The only product of the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is water, so there are no harmful emissions
4. The overall reaction in the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, meaning chemical energy is converted directly to electrical energy

## 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 "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/explain-why-a-hydrogen-oxygen-fuel-cell-df83b708) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.