Problem 29 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Describe two characteristics of hydrogen that are favorable for its use as a general energy source in vehicles.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Hydrogen has two favorable characteristics for its use as an energy source in vehicles: abundance and sustainability, and clean and efficient energy conversion. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be extracted from water through electrolysis, ensuring a sustainable supply without relying on depleting fossil fuels. Its production from renewable sources minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. In fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen's energy conversion is clean, with water vapor as the only byproduct, and highly efficient, reaching up to 60% or more, significantly higher than internal combustion engines efficiency. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles also provide similar range and refueling times to traditional vehicles.

Step 1: Characteristic 1: Abundance and Sustainability

One of the most important characteristics of hydrogen that makes it favorable as a general energy source in vehicles is its abundance and sustainability. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and can be extracted from various sources, such as water, using different methods like electrolysis. This ensures a long-term and sustainable supply of hydrogen for use as an energy source in vehicles, without depleting Earth's resources like fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) do. Additionally, the production of hydrogen from renewable sources, such as solar or wind energy used for electrolysis, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions related to hydrogen production, contributing to a cleaner energy future.

Step 2: Characteristic 2: Clean and Efficient Energy Conversion

Another favorable characteristic of hydrogen for its use as an energy source in vehicles is its clean and efficient energy conversion. When hydrogen is used in fuel cell vehicles, the only byproduct resulting from the energy conversion process (hydrogen + oxygen = water) is water vapor, making it a clean source of energy with no harmful emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter. Fuel cells are also known for being highly efficient in converting chemical energy from hydrogen into electrical energy, reaching efficiencies of up to 60% or even more. This is significantly higher than the efficiency of internal combustion engines, which usually have efficiencies ranging from 20% to 40%. Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have a similar range and refueling time as traditional vehicles, making them a viable alternative to achieve both clean and efficient transportation.