Question

Describe two characteristics of hydrogen that are favorable for its use as a general energy source in vehicles.

Short answer

Hydrogen has two favorable characteristics for its use as a general energy source in vehicles: 1. High energy content, with an energy density of about 120-142 MJ/kg, which allows for increased efficiency and driving range compared to traditional fossil fuels. 2. Environmentally friendly, producing only water as a by-product and no harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, therefore reducing air pollution and the impact on climate change.

Step-by-step solution

1. High Energy Content

Hydrogen has a very high energy content compared to other common fuels. The energy density of hydrogen is about 120-142 MJ/kg, which is higher than that of traditional fossil fuels like gasoline or diesel. This means that the same weight of hydrogen can generate more energy than the traditional fuels, making the vehicles powered by hydrogen more efficient and potentially provide longer driving ranges.

2. Environmentally Friendly

When hydrogen is used as a fuel to generate energy, the only by-product is water, which is a clean and environmentally friendly substance. Unlike gasoline or diesel, hydrogen combustion does not produce harmful emissions such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulates. This characteristic makes hydrogen-powered vehicles significantly less harmful for the environment and helps to reduce air pollution and minimize the contribution to climate change. To sum up, hydrogen has favorable characteristics such as its high energy content and being environmentally friendly, which make it a suitable energy source for vehicles.