What chemical process is happening at the anode of a fuel cell, which uses the following reaction to generate electricity? 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At the anode of a fuel cell, hydrogen gas is being oxidized to produce protons and electrons according to the following half-reaction:
2H₂ → 4H⁺ + 4e⁻
These electrons travel through an external circuit to the cathode, where they combine with oxygen and protons to form water according to the following half-reaction:
O₂ + 4H⁺ + 4e⁻ → 2H₂O
Therefore, the overall reaction is:
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
So, at the anode, hydrogen is being oxidized.

What Chemical Process Is Happening at the Anode of a Fuel