Creating Greener Cars: Learn about hydrogen cars

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element, often found in compounds like water. It powers fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electricity with only water and heat as emissions. Fuel cells work by splitting hydrogen into protons and electrons, generating an electrical current. Hydrogen is environmentally friendly, producing no pollutants. It can be produced from fossil fuels or renewable resources. Vehicles like the Honda Clarity use hydrogen fuel cells for zero-emission driving. Challenges include cost, distribution, and energy storage, but advancements continue to improve hydrogen car viability.

What is a major component of water and hydrocarbons?

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Hydrogen

• Carbon

In a fuel cell, what is the role of the platinum layer?

• To split hydrogen into protons and electrons

• To combine hydrogen and oxygen

• To cool the fuel cell

• To store energy

What is the only emission from a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle?

• Nitrogen oxides

• Water and heat

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

Which process is most commonly used today to produce hydrogen?

• Methane steam reforming

• Nuclear fusion

• Electrolysis

• Photosynthesis

What is a challenge in using hydrogen as a vehicle fuel?

• It contains less energy by volume than gasoline

• It is highly polluting

• It is too expensive to produce

• It is not renewable