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The picture above shows how a fuel cell produces electricity. The fuel cell is composed of an anode (a negative electrode that repels electrons),
an electrolyte membrane in the center, and a cathode (a positive electrode that attracts electrons).
As hydrogen flows into the fuel cell anode, the gas is separated
into protons (hydrogen ions) and electrons. The electrolyte membrane in the center allows only the protons to pass through the membrane to the cathode side of the fuel cell. The electrons cannot pass through this membrane and flow through an external circuit in the form of electric current. This current can power an electric load, such as the light bulb shown here.
As oxygen flows into the fuel cell cathode, a platinum coating helps the oxygen, protons, and electrons combine to produce pure water and heat.
Individual fuel cells can be combined into a fuel cell "stack". The number of fuel cells in the stack determines the total voltage, and the surface area of each cell determines the total
current. Multiplying the voltage by the current yields the total electrical power generated.
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