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==Isotopes==

==Isotopes==

The most common form of hydrogen is protium, although this name is rarely used and it is generally known simply as hydrogen.  Protium [[atom]]s consist of a single [[proton]] orbited by a single [[electron]]. Two other hydrogen [[isotopes]] are known to exist: [[deuterium]], which has one neutron and an atomic weight of 2, and [[tritium]] with two neutrons and an atomic weight of 3. [[Tritium]] is [[radioactive]], with a [[half-life]] of 12.32 years. Naturally occurring tritium is extremely rare on Earth but has a number of valuable applications, such as light-emitting inserts for optical instruments and emergency equipment. As a result it is extremely expensive.  

The most common form of hydrogen is protium, although this name is rarely used and it is generally known simply as hydrogen.  Protium [[atom]]s consist of a single [[proton]] orbited by a single [[electron]]. Two other hydrogen [[isotopes]] are known to exist: [[deuterium]], which has one neutron and an atomic weight of 2, and [[tritium]] with two neutrons and an atomic weight of 3. [[Tritium]] is [[radioactive]], with a [[half-life]] of 12.32 years. Naturally occurring tritium is extremely rare on Earth but has a number of valuable applications, such as light-emitting inserts for optical instruments and emergency equipment. As a result it is extremely expensive. {{fact}}

==Compounds==

==Compounds==

Hydrogen can be found in the vast majority of [[organic]] compounds, as well as many [[inorganic]] compounds.<ref>For example, [[hydrocarbon]]s and metal hydrides, respectively</ref> It is an important component of [[water]] and most [[acid]]s.

Hydrogen can be found in the vast majority of [[organic]] compounds, as well as many [[inorganic]] compounds.<ref>For example, [[hydrocarbon]]s and metal hydrides, respectively</ref> It is an important component of [[water]] and most [[acid]]s.{{fact}}

==Occurrence in Nature==

==Occurrence in Nature==

Hydrogen makes up 75% of all matter in the universe by mass. Well over 90% of all atoms in the universe are hydrogen. It is the main element found in [[stars]] and gas-giant (Jovian) planets. Huge clouds of molecular hydrogen are found in interstellar space; most astronomers believe that these clouds are associated with star formation, with the hydrogen providing the raw material and fuel for stars to form. However the timescale required for this to occur is claimed to be around 100,000 years for a star the size of the [[Sun]], which means that the process cannot be observed. For this and other reasons, this hypothesis is generally rejected by Creation scientists.

Hydrogen makes up 75% of all matter in the universe by mass. Well over 90% of all atoms in the universe are hydrogen. It is the main element found in [[stars]] and gas-giant (Jovian) planets. Huge clouds of molecular hydrogen are found in interstellar space; most astronomers believe that these clouds are associated with star formation, with the hydrogen providing the raw material and fuel for stars to form. However the timescale required for this to occur is claimed to be around 100,000 years for a star the size of the [[Sun]], which means that the process cannot be observed. For this and other reasons, this hypothesis is generally rejected by Creation scientists.{{fact}}

==Fuel for vehicles==

==Fuel for vehicles==

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 in larger cities

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 in larger cities{{fact}}

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.

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.{{fact}}

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]].