Batteries and Fuel Cells (A Level) Quiz

Derived lesson quiz from the Electrochemistry bank focused on primary/secondary cells and hydrogen-oxygen fuel-cell equations and trade-offs.

GCE A-Level H2 Chemistry 9476-2027

You can take this as many times as you like.

Practise

Questions are picked at random each time you start. You'll see your score, the answers and explanations at the end. It's for practice only and doesn't count towards mastery.

Recent attempts

History is stored only in this browser.

No completed attempts are saved yet.

This check needs JavaScript to record answers. The reviewed questions are listed below for study.

What is the overall reaction in a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell?

$\ce{2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O}$
$\ce{2H2O -> 2H2 + O2}$
$\ce{H2 + O2 -> H2O2}$
$\ce{H2 + O2 -> H2O}$

Which statement best distinguishes a secondary cell from a primary cell?

Secondary cells can be recharged by reversing the cell reaction
Primary cells contain no redox reaction
Secondary cells always use hydrogen gas as fuel
Primary cells always have positive $E^\ominus_{cell}$

A hydrogen fuel cell differs from a battery mainly because:

it needs continuous fuel supply from outside the cell
it cannot produce electrical energy from redox
it has no electrode reactions
it only works above 1000 K

In an alkaline hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell, oxidation occurs at the hydrogen electrode. Which half-equation matches this?

$\ce{O2 + 2H2O + 4e- -> 4OH-}$
$\ce{2H2 + 4OH- -> 4H2O + 4e-}$
$\ce{2H2 + O2 -> 2H2O}$
$\ce{2H2O + 2e- -> H2 + 2OH-}$

In an alkaline hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell, which species is reduced at the oxygen electrode?

$\ce{H2}$
$\ce{OH-}$
$\ce{O2}$
$\ce{H2O}$

Compared with an engine burning petrol, which is an advantage of a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell at the point of use?

They always have zero environmental impact
They produce water at point of use with no $\ce{CO2}$ from operation
They need no catalyst
They can store unlimited energy in one small cell

Which statement describes a practical limitation of hydrogen fuel cells?

Hydrogen storage/transport can be challenging and energy-intensive
Fuel cells cannot use catalysts
Fuel cells never involve redox chemistry
Fuel cells always produce sulfur dioxide

A rechargeable cell is connected to an external power source for charging. Which is true during charging?

The spontaneous discharge reaction is driven in reverse
No redox processes occur
Electrons stop moving entirely
Cell potential must become exactly zero

Batteries and Fuel Cells (A Level) Quiz

Practice complete

Your answers