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Burning coal, oil or gas
Usually we burn coal or oil to obtain energy. The result is energy and some pollutants. Some of the energy is invariably lost through heat or friction.
It is also possible to burn gas, for example methane (CH4):
CH4 + 2 O2 -> CO2 + 2 H20.
In English: Methane burnt using the air’s oxygen turns into carbondioxyde and water.
Burning hydrogen looks like a real clean approach:
2 H2 + O2 -> 2 H2O
In English: Hydrogen burnt using the air’s oxygen turns into water.
All these reactions release more energy than we need to get them started. This energy can be used elsewhere.
The beautiful thing about burning hydrogen is that the only output are water and energy. There are no pollutants. A car built on this principle qualifies as ZEV – Zero Emission Vehicle, a very environmental friendly approach to transportation.
Unfortunately hydrogen is difficult and expensive to handle. To keep it as a liquid it has to be pressurized. The liquid boils and evaporates at -253 0C. It explodes easily.
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