Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and most abundant chemical substance in the universe, constituting roughly 75% of its elemental mass.

Characteristics

Hydrogen is the lightest element. Under standard conditions, it is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas. Hydrogen is the only element that can exist without neutrons in its nucleus. This form of hydrogen, known as Protium, has one proton and one electron.

Uses

Hydrogen has a variety of uses. It is used in the production of ammonia for fertilizer via the Haber process, and in hydrocracking, where it is used to convert crude oil into gasoline. Hydrogen is also used in the production of methanol and in hydrogenation of fats and oils. It is also used in rocket fuel and in fuel cells for generating electrical power.

Production

Hydrogen is produced from a variety of sources such as fossil fuels, water and renewables. The most common method of production is steam reforming of natural gas. Other methods include electrolysis of water and thermochemical cycles.

Safety

Hydrogen is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures in air. It can cause burns and eye damage. However, it is not considered a health hazard because it does not have any known toxic effects.

See also

• Hydrogen production
• Hydrogen safety
• Hydrogen economy
• Hydrogen vehicle

References

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  Explosion of a mixture of hydrogen and air
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  Shuttle Main Engine Test Firing
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  Hydrogen atom
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  Hydrogen ampoule
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  Phase diagram of hydrogen
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  Hydrogen isotopes
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  Hydrogen discharge tube
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  Deuterium discharge tube
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  Portrait of Robert Boyle
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  Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier
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  Emission spectrum of hydrogen
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  Hindenburg over New York 1937