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 a high energy density of approximately 142 MJ/kg, making it an efficient fuel source for vehicles with better mileage and reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, hydrogen combustion produces no harmful emissions or greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels with its primary byproduct being pure water.

Step 1: Characteristic 1: High Energy Density

Hydrogen possesses a high energy density, which refers to the amount of energy it can store per unit of mass. This is advantageous because a smaller amount of hydrogen can store the same amount of energy as compared to other traditional fuel sources such as gasoline or diesel. The energy density of hydrogen is approximately 142 MJ/kg, which is three times higher than gasoline's energy density of 46.4 MJ/kg. This property enables vehicles using hydrogen as a fuel to achieve better mileage with less fuel consumption.

Step 2: Characteristic 2: Environmentally Friendly

The combustion of hydrogen does not produce greenhouse gases or other harmful emissions, which means it is less harmful to the environment as compared to using fossil fuels. The primary byproduct of hydrogen combustion is pure water (H2O), making it a very clean energy source. This characteristic makes hydrogen a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative fuel option for vehicles, helping to reduce the overall impact of transportation activities on the environment and supporting efforts to combat climate change.