Can Protons in Hydrogen Fuel Cells Generate Electrical Current Like Electrons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the functionality of protons in hydrogen fuel cells and their potential to generate electrical current similar to electrons. Participants clarify that protons, when separated in a hydrogen fuel cell, act as ions that facilitate the flow of electrons, thus contributing to the overall electrical output. The idea of using protons to create a circuit or generate additional power through mechanical means, such as turning a magnetic ring, is explored but deemed impractical due to the nature of proton mobility in conductors.

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  • Knowledge of ion movement in electrochemical cells
  • Familiarity with electrical circuits and current generation
  • Basic principles of magnetism and electromagnetic induction
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professor
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i was thinking over how a hydrogen fuel cell works, seperating the electrons and protons (into its ions like any other way of converting electrical energy to chemical) but i wondered if the protons as well as the electrons could be used as a current to creat a circuit such as the electrons do, or at the least could these protons be use to turn a magnetic ring around some metal to produce a secondary generator of power?
 
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professor said:
i was thinking over how a hydrogen fuel cell works, seperating the electrons and protons (into its ions like any other way of converting electrical energy to chemical) but i wondered if the protons as well as the electrons could be used as a current to creat a circuit such as the electrons do, or at the least could these protons be use to turn a magnetic ring around some metal to produce a secondary generator of power?

How do you propose to have non-interacting mobile protons in a conductor?

Zz.
 
The protons are already used in a fuel cell as ions are used in a battery - they are what attract the electrons (sorta).
 

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