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Hydrogen itself does not generate electricity, but it can be used to generate electricity in at least two ways. First, as a combustible substance, hydrogen could be used as a fuel source for an electric generator. This process is not the most efficient means to produce electricity with hydrogen, because the conversion of mechanical energy to electricity always results in a (typically) pretty significant loss of power.

The most common social association of hydrogen and producing power these days involves a fuel cell, where hydrogen is the fuel, and the air provides the oxidant (oxygen). A fuel cell sparks a reaction between the hydrogen and the oxidant by means of a catalyst (usually a pricey metal like platinum), and electricity is produced. About half of the energy potential is lost as heat, so this process is about 50% efficient.

Interesting side note. Diesel generators can be up to 45% efficient (possibly as high as 55%). I have no idea if a hydrogen generator could be nearly as efficient burning just hydrogen. My instinct is definitely no, based only on the assumption that diesel's high efficiency comes from the high compression design as compared to a gas generator. But... it would be interesting to know if it would be physically possible to make an electric generator that burns hydrogen as efficient or more efficient than the current crop of fuel cells ;-D.

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Why is hydrogen easier to liberate than the hydrogen in water?

The hydrogen in water is locked into a very stable molecule consisting of two Oxygen atoms and four Hydrogen. In order to break that bond, energy (for example, an electric current) must be introduced. Free hydrogen is not bound to anything.


How many oxygen molecules are produced from the splitting of two molecules of water if the balanced equation for the reaction is as follows 2H2O 2H2 plus O2?

Four oxygen molecules are produced from the splitting of two molecules of water. This is because for every two molecules of water that split, one molecule of O2 is produced according to the balanced equation shown.


Passing an electric current through a certain substance produces oxygen and sulfur This substance cannot be a?

This substance cannot be water, because passing an electric current through water, in a process called electrolysis, produces hydrogen and oxygen gas, not oxygen and sulfur.


What is a by-product of burning hydrogen gas?

There is only one product - water. Hydrogen burns in the oxygen in air to form hydrogen oxide or water vapour. 2H2 (g) + O2 (g) = 2H20 (g)


What are sources of hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and the third-most common element on the Earth's surface. It can be produced, among other ways, by splitting water molecules (which as a side-effect, also produces oxygen gas) in a process known as water electrolysis; by exposing metals to certain acids; or by breaking down hydrocarbons, including those found in urine or natural gas.

Related Questions

What is produced from splitting the water?

Hydrogen and oxygen gases are produced from splitting water.


What is produced directly from the splitting of water?

Splitting water results in oxygen and hydrogen. The water element is separated into two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.


What element produces oxygen in water?

The element that produces oxygen in water is hydrogen, through the process of electrolysis. When electricity passes through water, it splits into hydrogen and oxygen gas. This is how oxygen is generated from water.


Is the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen a exothermic reaction?

No. It is endothermic as it requires energy.


What is the splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen molecules an example of?

The splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen molecules is an example of a chemical reaction known as electrolysis. This process involves passing an electric current through water to separate it into its constituent elements, hydrogen and oxygen.


Is the splitting of liquid water into oxygen gas and hydrogen gas a physical change?

no, it is chemical.


The oxygen released into the air as a product of photosynthesis comea from what?

When oxygen is released as a result of photosynthesis, it is a by product of what?reducing NADP+chemiosmosisthe electron transfer system of photosystem Isplitting the water moleculesthe electron transfer system of photosystem IIsplitting the water molecules


What is oxygen in a chemical change that produces water?

The reaction between oxygen and hydrogen produce water.


How can you prove water is a compound?

Water on electrolysis (splitting) gives elements Hydrogen and oxygen in a fixed proportion


Which process produces oxygen gas in the oxygen cell?

The process that produces oxygen gas in an oxygen cell is electrolysis. In this process, an electrical current is passed through water (H2O), splitting it into oxygen gas (O2) and hydrogen gas (H2). This method is commonly used in devices like fuel cells and electrolyzers for various applications.


What does this mean water hydrogen plus oxygen?

This is the word equation for the electrolysis of water; splitting it apart into its component elements.


What role does a water electrolysis catalyst play in the process of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen?

A water electrolysis catalyst helps to speed up the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen by lowering the energy needed for the reaction to occur. It acts as a facilitator, allowing the process to happen more efficiently and quickly.