Fuel cells operate electrochemically, not via combustion

Steps:

• Statement 1 is correct: Fuel cells need ongoing supply of hydrogen (fuel) and oxygen (oxidant) to sustain the reaction.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Hydrogen undergoes electrochemical oxidation at the anode, not combustion (burning) in oxygen.
• Statement 3 is correct: The overall reaction is 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, producing only water.
• Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are accurate, corresponding to option C.

Why C is correct:

• Fuel cells produce electricity through redox reactions (anode: H₂ → 2H⁺ + 2e⁻; cathode: O₂ + 4H⁺ + 4e⁻ → 2H₂O), avoiding combustion and yielding water as the sole product.

Why the others are wrong:

• A includes incorrect statement 2 about burning.
• B omits correct statement 3 and includes incorrect 2.
• D omits correct statement 1 and includes incorrect 2.

Final answer: C