Page 13 - Fuel Cell Teacher Edition

Please see the detailed lab procedure for additional 5. Ask each group to explain their fuel cell in front
required materials. of the class.

6. Combine these fuel cells into four different class
designs.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
7. Ask each student to write their initial thoughts
You may wish to have several pliers available to bend about the current and voltage measurements
the zinc electrode if you are working with young for each fuel cell:
students or have students with long nails. • The expected range of the measurement

• Performance limitations of the experimental
LAB OBJECTIVES: apparatus due to design

1. Construct a fuel cell from the included materials 8. Have each group write a procedure for building

2. Make an argument for how changing each item and measuring the performance of their fuel
will affect the output of the cell. cells.

• NaOH concentration 9. Ask each group to test their procedure.
• Shaking the NaOH solution before 10. Ask each group to present performance data
dispensing into the cell on their cells including potential, current, and
power.
• Anode size
11. Draw a table on the board and ask each group to
• Anode folding technique
fill out performance data on it.
• Cathode wire length
Sample table Fields:
• Cathode carbon content
• Group Design
• Electrolyte level
• NaOH conc.
• C vol.
SAMPLE OPEN-ENDED LAB
PROCEDURE • Cu length
(please see the detailed lab procedure for specific • Zn area (try sanding the zinc for more
implementation details): surface area)
• EMF
1. Tell each student that they will be constructing
a fuel cell and review the purpose of each • current
component. • power

2. Review the chemical reactions that occur within
the cell with the class. 12. Ask the class to come to a consensus about the
following items:
3. Explain the parts included with the kit and their
potential use. • Verify that the collected data and power
calculations are correct.
4. Ask each group to draw the fuel cell they will
build with the included parts. • Which fuel cell performed the best?

Xii TOTAL REDOX™ – FUEL CELLS TOTAL REDOX™ – FUEL CELLS Xiii