Chapter 11, Problem 100AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:Maximum work that can be obtained from hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell that produces $1.00{\text{ kg H}}_2\text{O}$ is to be determined. Reason to call this a maximum work should be explained. Also, advantages and disadvantages to use fuel cells instead of combustion reactions to produce electricity should be determined.

Concept introduction:Practical work obtained from constructed cell is always less than theoretical work due to loss of energy from frictional heating in wires. Theoretically, maximum work that can be obtained expression as follows:

  $w_{\text{max}}=-nF{E}_{\text{cell}}^0$

Where,

• $E_{\text{cell}}^0$ is the standard cell potential.
• $n$ istotal electrons transferred.