Question

Which of the following statements regarding fuel cells is false?

(a) Because of continuous supply, fuel cells never become dead

(b) They do not cause pollution

(c) Fuel cells have 100% efficiency practically

(d) The cost of catalysts needed for the electrode reactions is high

I have been asked this question in a job interview.

The question is from Electrochemistry topic in chapter Electrochemistry of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right option is (c) Fuel cells have 100% efficiency practically

To explain: Theoretically, the fuel cells are expected to have an efficiency of 100%. However, practically they give efficiency of 60-70%. Still, they are much superior to the thermal power plants in which fuels are burnt to produce heat which then changes water into steam to run the turbine. Such a power plant does not have an efficiency of more than 40%.