Difference between revisions of "Hydrogen"
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| − | {{Element | name=Hydrogen | symbol=H | anumber=1 | amass=1.001 amu | noe=1 | class=Gas| cstructure=Unknown | color= | + | {{Element | name=Hydrogen | symbol=H | anumber=1 | amass=1.001 amu | noe=1 | class=Gas| cstructure=Unknown | color=None | }} |
'''Hydrogen''' is the most abundant of all the [[element]]s,<ref>Hydrogen makes up roughly 75% of the matter in the [[universe]].</ref> and has the [[chemical symbol]] H and an [[atomic number]] of 1. Despite this abundance, naturally occurring elemental hydrogen is extremely rare on [[Earth]]. | '''Hydrogen''' is the most abundant of all the [[element]]s,<ref>Hydrogen makes up roughly 75% of the matter in the [[universe]].</ref> and has the [[chemical symbol]] H and an [[atomic number]] of 1. Despite this abundance, naturally occurring elemental hydrogen is extremely rare on [[Earth]]. | ||
Revision as of 00:58, May 19, 2008
| Hydrogen | |
|---|---|
| Properties | |
| Atomic symbol | H |
| Atomic number | 1 |
| Classification | Gas |
| Atomic mass | 1.001 amu |
| Other Information | |
Hydrogen is the most abundant of all the elements,[1] and has the chemical symbol H and an atomic number of 1. Despite this abundance, naturally occurring elemental hydrogen is extremely rare on Earth.
Composition of the atom
Hydrogen atoms normally consist of a single proton and electron, with no neutron. Other isotopes are formed as the atom gains neutrons: deuterium (one neutron) and tritium (two neutrons). Tritium is radioactive.
Compounds
Hydrogen can be found in both organic and inorganic compounds.[2] It is an important component of water.
Fuel for vehicles
Hydrogen is a principal component of fuel cells, 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 pollutants or greenhouse gases are produced, the use of fuel cells could provide cleaner air and potentially slow down global warming.
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.
If hydrogen could be used in cars, it would be important in establishing the hydrogen economy.
Notes and references
- ↑ Hydrogen makes up roughly 75% of the matter in the universe.
- ↑ For example, hydrocarbons and metal hydrides, respectively