Changes

==Fuel for vehicles==

==Fuel for vehicles==

Hydrogen is a principal component of [[fuel cell]]s, which have the potential to be a major form of alternative energy in the future. Fuel cells are very clean energy sources; their only by-products are [[water]] and heat. Since no [[pollutant]]s or [[greenhouse gas]]es are produced, the use of fuel cells could provide cleaner air and potentially slow down [[global warming]].

Hydrogen is one of two fuels needed for [[fuel cell]]s (the other being oxygen), which have the potential to be a major form of alternative energy in the future. Fuel cells are very clean energy sources; their only by-products are [[water]] and heat. Since no [[pollutant]]s or [[greenhouse gas]]es are produced, the use of fuel cells could provide cleaner air and potentially slow down [[global warming]].

Unfortunately, hydrogen is not a viable fuel source at present. Today's average car, for example, would require an unfeasibly large fuel tank to carry enough hydrogen for practical purposes. Hydrogen is also extremely [[flammable]] and suitable safeguards are needed to reduce the chances of a fatal explosion in an accident.  

Unfortunately, hydrogen is not a viable fuel source at present. Today's average car, for example, would require an unfeasibly large fuel tank to carry enough hydrogen for practical purposes. Hydrogen is also extremely [[flammable]] and suitable safeguards are needed to reduce the chances of a fatal explosion in an accident.  There is also the issue of obtaining the pure hydrogen needed.  Hydrogen can be obtained from distilled water through electrolysis, but this requires the same amount of energy the Hydrogen's use in a fuel cell would yield.  Fuel cells would not solve the eventual energy crisis; it would simply move the problem to the power plants providing the energy to obtain the hydrogen through electrolysis.

If hydrogen could be used in cars, it would be important in establishing the [[hydrogen economy]].

If hydrogen could be used in cars, it would be important in establishing the [[hydrogen economy]].