What is the environmental impact of burning hydrogen as a fuel?

Study for the IGCSE C10 Chemistry Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to get ready for your exam!

Burning hydrogen as a fuel results in a chemical reaction in which hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water. This reaction, represented by the equation 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, indicates that water vapor is the sole product of this combustion process. This characteristic makes hydrogen an environmentally friendly fuel option, as it does not produce greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide or other harmful pollutants during combustion.

The advantage of using hydrogen is particularly significant in the context of global warming and climate change, as the by-products of traditional fossil fuels often include carbon dioxide and other emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Therefore, the fact that burning hydrogen yields only water supports its role as a clean energy source with minimal environmental impact compared to carbon-based fuels.

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