Misconception 1: "Fuel cells are just batteries"
Batteries store chemical energy inside them and run down. Fuel cells take fuel from an external supply — they can operate continuously as long as hydrogen and oxygen are fed in. They cannot "run out" in the same way a battery does.
Misconception 2: "The anode in a fuel cell is the positive electrode"
In a fuel cell (and in galvanic cells generally), oxidation occurs at the anode, which is the negative terminal. The cathode, where reduction occurs, is the positive terminal. This is the opposite of electrolysis (where the anode is connected to the positive terminal of an external supply) — a very common exam confusion.
Misconception 3: "Hydrogen fuel cells produce no environmental impact at all"
At the point of use the only product is water — no direct pollution. But producing hydrogen in the first place often requires fossil fuels (e.g. steam reforming of methane), which releases CO₂. The environmental benefit depends entirely on how the hydrogen was made.
This common misconceptions covers Common Misconceptions within Fuel Cells for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Fuel Cells in Energy Changes for GCSE Chemistry with 5 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 9 of 13 in this topic. Use this common misconceptions to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Fuel Cells
A simple electrochemical cell is made by placing two different metal electrodes into an electrolyte. Which statement correctly describes what affects the voltage produced?
Compare a non-rechargeable alkaline battery with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of the rechargeable battery.