🔬 Science & TechnologyUPSC 2024Space & Space Technology

Which one of the following is the exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles, powered by hydrogen?

aHydrogen peroxide
bHydronium
cOxygen
dWater vapour
✓ Correct answer: d) Water vapour
ExplanationThe exhaust pipe emission from Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) powered by hydrogen is water vapour.These vehicles use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.The only by-product of this process is water (H₂O), which is released as vapour, making FCEVs a clean and environmentally friendly transportation option.Fuel cells are unique in terms of the variety of their potential applications; they can use a wide range of fuels and feedstocks and can provide power for systems as large as a utility power station and as small as a laptop computer. : Working of Hydrogen Fuel CellsSimply put, fuel cells work by combining hydrogen gas (H2) with oxygen from the air - and the resulting chemical reaction produces electricity.Hydrogen atoms enter the fuel cell at the anode, while oxygen is fed to the cathode.The fuel cell consists of a membrane coated with a catalyst.When the hydrogen molecules hit the catalyst, they’re split into hydrogen ions and electrons.The membrane lets positively charged hydrogen ions pass t

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