Real-Life Communication -- Solution
This is what you tell the potential investor.
"A
fuel, such as hydrogen, is placed into the cell. This is the part in the diagram
that says 'Fuel or anode gas, i.e. hydrogen.'
"As it enters the 'porous
anode,' the hydrogen atoms are broken up. That is, each hydrogen atom is broken
down into its more basic parts, called protons and electrons -- these are
the basic building blocks of every atom. This is the 'anode reaction,' described
by the notation on the diagram. H2 becomes 2H+ (the protons) and 2E- (the
electrons).
"Now, since those electrons are not bound up with the protons,
they are free to form an electric current that flows out of the fuel cell.
This is electricity that can be used for many things.
"But what happens
to those protons? We can't just leave them there! The protons keep moving
through the cell, to a section called the 'electrolyte.' This is essentially
a material that allows the protons to flow into the next area, called the
'porous cathode.' Here they combine with an oxidant or cathode gas, such as
oxygen. These materials combine. Do you know what hydrogen and oxygen make?
What H2O stands for? That's right! It's water.
"To summarize it all
in one sentence, you could say the fuel cell turns the hydrogen into electricity
and water. And it does all this without making any waste or noise!"
As
a chemical tech, most of your work will be done in the lab. But you can't
stay in there forever! You have to come out and let others know what you've
discovered in amongst the Bunsen burners and test tubes. How do you do that?
With your well-honed communication skills.
"Communication
skills are crucial for success -- and this includes verbal, writing and listening
skills," says Connie Murphy, a senior research technologist. "Technicians
work with a wide variety of people and must be able to communicate effectively
with all of them."
This communication can take many forms.
"We
are expected to be able to write in data books, write technical reports, give
oral reports to small and sometimes large groups," she says.