The Importance of Water.

Today you will be shown a variety of demonstrations that will highlight the importance and versatility of water as resource for space travel and colonisation.

Background information.

When oxygen and hydrogen molecules come together to take part in a chemical reaction we often see the products of the reaction which is always energy and water. What we don’t see is the transfer of electrons between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

1)      The pop test

When oxygen and hydrogen gasses are mixed and ignited:
- in what forms is energy released?

- how can oxygen and hydrogen be used in this way by a space colony?

2)      Hoffman voltameter.
This apparatus uses an electric current to split water into into hydrogen and oxygen gasses.
The chemical equation is shown below.
2H₂O(l) -> O₂(g) + 2H₂(g).

Look at the volume of each gas produced at each electrode. Using the equation above can you identify the hydrogen  and oxygen gas? Explain how

What are the properties of oxygen?

What are the properties of hydrogen?

What observations lead you to conclude the above properties?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTEX38bQ-2w

3)      Hydrogen fuel cell

An electrical current is produced by a solar panel that is then used to split water into oxygen and hydrogen gasses.

 The gasses are then stored and used on demand to run a fuel cell that produces electricity.

Describe the energy conversions that you see displayed in the operation of this fuel cell. Assume a solar panel is used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

Describe how water can be used to store energy on a Moon base