Purpose of hydrogen -oxygen fuel cell is to

Options

A. Generate heat
B. Ccreate potential difference
C. Produce high purity water
D. Remove adsorbed oxygen from electrode surface

Answer

To answer the question regarding the purpose of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, we can break down the explanation into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Fuel Cell**: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is a type of electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction.

2. **Chemical Reaction**: The primary reaction in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell involves the oxidation of hydrogen (H₂) by oxygen (O₂) to produce water (H₂O). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
\[ 2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O \]

3. **Energy Production**: The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases energy. However, in a fuel cell, this energy is not released as heat but is converted into electrical energy, which can be harnessed for practical use.

4. **Voltage Generation**: The electrochemical reaction generates a potential difference (voltage) that can drive an electric current. This is the fundamental purpose of the fuel cell: to produce usable electrical energy.

5. **Environmental Benefits**: The only byproduct of this reaction is water, making hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells an environmentally friendly energy source, as they do not produce harmful emissions.

6. **Practical Applications**: Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells are used in various applications, including powering vehicles, providing electricity in remote locations, and serving as backup power sources.

### Final Answer:
The purpose of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is to convert the chemical energy from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen into electrical energy, producing water as the only byproduct.