Hydrogen power (KS4)

KS4 Hydrogen power

How to make hydrogen from water.

Hydrogen is an alternative to petrol and diesel fuels for combustion engines. The only by-product of using it is water, so it does not harm the environment or cause pollution. Hydrogen fuel cells could potentially be used to power cars, buses and even aircraft.

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of the future of flight to investigate one of the potential energy sources of the future. They will discuss the problems associated with the use of oil-based fuels and how the use of hydrogen fuels could solve them. They will then produce hydrogen from water and investigate ways to make it work better. This activity could be used as a main lesson to teach about power supplies and renewable energy within a transport context. It could also be used as part of a wider scheme of learning to teach about sustainability and environmental issues.

Materials:

Paperclips

Glass vessels

Water from a tap

9V batteries

Rubber bands

Pencils

Playdough or modelling clay

Crocodile clips

Bendy straws

Test tubes