Step 1: Understand what a fuel cell is.
A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy. In the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, hydrogen acts as fuel and oxygen acts as oxidizing agent. The overall reaction produces water.
Step 2: Identify the characteristics of fuel cells.
Fuel cells are known for high efficiency because they convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy without combustion. In the hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, the reaction is:
\[
\mathrm{2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O}
\]
Because the main product is water, such cells are considered environmentally clean or nearly pollution free.
Step 3: Analyze the options.
- (A) True. Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy.
- (B) Not true. The water formed in hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells is generally considered pure enough and has even been used for drinking in space applications after proper handling.
- (C) True. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to form water in the fuel cell.
- (D) True. Fuel cells are considered pollution free because they mainly produce water.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Hence, the statement which is
not true for a fuel cell is that the water produced during the reaction cannot be used for drinking.
Final Answer:Water produced during reaction, can not be used for drinking.