Redox Battery Lab
Engineers have designed cars to run on hydrogen fuel cells, which convert chemical energy into electricity.Copyright (left) 2009 Welleman, Wikimedia Commons; (right) 2008 EERE and Mion, Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fuelcell.jpg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hydrogen_vehicle.jpg
Through this lab, students are introduced to energy sciences as they explore redox reactions and how hydrogen fuel cells turn the energy released when hydrogen and oxygen are combined into electrical energy that can be read on a standard multimeter. They learn about the energy stored in bonds and how, by controlling the reaction, this energy can be turned into more or less useful forms.
In the age of ever multiplying personal devices, it is important for all young people to understand the basic principles behind battery development and charging systems. A battery is only as clean as the source that charges it. When engineers design batteries they consider many design constraints. Apart from energy density, engineers also consider size, safety, mobility, volatility, environmental impact and efficiency. Creating a useful battery takes the balancing of many different costs and benefits.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Evaluate the environmental impact of energy sources using conservation of energy concepts.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of the science behind storing and releasing chemical potential energy.
- Explain how engineers apply these scientific concepts to solve real-world problems.