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| − | Hydrogen has the atomic symbol H and the atomic number of 1. Hydrogen is the most abundant of all the chemical elements, the universe is composed of roughly 75% hydrogen. However naturally occuring elemental hydrogen on [[Earth]] is extremely rare. | + | '''Hydrogen''' has the [[atomic symbol]] H and the [[atomic number]] of 1. Hydrogen is the most abundant of all the chemical elements, the [[universe]] is composed of roughly 75% hydrogen. However naturally occuring elemental hydrogen on [[Earth]] is extremely rare. |
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| | ==Composition of the Atom== | | ==Composition of the Atom== |
| − | One isotope of the hydrogen [[atom]] is made up of one proton and one electron with no neutrons. This is called protium. There is also [[deuterium]], with one proton, one electron, and one neutron, and [[tritium]] with one proton, one electron and TWO neutrons. Tritium is radioactive. | + | One [[isotope]] of the hydrogen [[atom]] is made up of one [[proton]] and one [[electron]] with no [[neutron]]s. This is called [[protium]]. There is also [[deuterium]], with one proton, one electron, and one neutron, and [[tritium]] with one proton, one electron and TWO neutrons. Tritium is [[radioactive]]. |
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| | ==Fuel for Vehicles== | | ==Fuel for Vehicles== |
| − | The hydrogen fuel cell is a pioneering form of alternative energy. It is very clean burning, the only by-product of its combustion is pure water. This would slow down the impact that [[global warming]] is having on the Earth. Unfortunatlly there are some set backs. The amount of hydrogen needed to fuel a regular sized car would be extremely large and would not be as convenient as a fuel tank is now. Hydrogen is extremely flammable and the flame is nearly invisible. The chances of a massive fatal explosion in an accident is greater than in one with gas powered veichles. | + | The hydrogen [[fuel cell]] is a pioneering form of alternative energy. It is very clean burning, the only by-product of its combustion is pure [[water]]. This would slow down the impact that [[global warming]] is having on the Earth. Unfortunatlly there are some set backs. The amount of hydrogen needed to fuel a regular sized car would be extremely large and would not be as convenient as a fuel tank is now. Hydrogen is extremely [[flammable]] and the flame is nearly invisible. The chances of a massive fatal explosion in an accident is greater than in one with [[gas]] powered veichles. |
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| | 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]]. |