We've all heard of electric cars, but have you ever heard of a car that runs on farts? Well, sort of. Hydrogen fuel cell cars run on hydrogen gas, which is converted into electricity to power the car. But before you start stocking up on beans and broccoli, let's dive into the science behind how hydrogen fuel cells actually work.
The magic happens inside the fuel cell
A fuel cell is essentially a fancy battery. It converts the chemical energy of hydrogen gas into electrical energy, which powers the car. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen gas is fed into the anode, while oxygen is fed into the cathode. These two gases then react with each other, creating electricity and water vapor.
The only emissions from a hydrogen fuel cell car are water vapor and heat, making it a zero-emission vehicle. It's like a car that runs on magic, except the magic is science.
Where does the hydrogen come from?
Hydrogen gas is not just floating around in the air for us to collect (although that would be pretty cool). It has to be produced from other sources. The most common method of producing hydrogen is through a process called electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity.
Hydrogen can also be produced from natural gas, but this process releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. So, it's not as environmentally friendly. But don't worry, scientists are working on finding cleaner ways to produce hydrogen.
The future is farting cars
Hydrogen fuel cell cars may not run on actual farts, but they do produce the same emissions as one. And with the push towards cleaner and more sustainable forms of transportation, we can expect to see more farting cars (hydrogen fuel cell cars) on the road in the future.
It's not just about the farting cars, but about the benefits that come with them. Zero emissions, improved range and faster refueling time, and the potential for hydrogen to be produced from renewable sources. So, let's embrace the farting cars and the science behind them.