Amazing Facts About The Chemical And Physical Properties Of Hydrogen

When you hear the word 'hydrogen', naturally, water is immediately reminded by it.

The molecules of water, referred to as H2O, are made up of two atoms of hydrogen. Apart from water, hydrogen is found in hydroxides, hydrocarbons and acids.

The gaseous form of hydrogen is highly flammable and the lightest element found in the atmosphere of the Earth. The free form of hydrogen is mostly found under the ground. Hydrogen is also found in stars and on other planets, which are mostly surrounded by different gases. The best example among celestial bodies is the sun which is made up of hydrogen. In stars, the pressure of gases is so high that hydrogen is changed into atoms of helium. When a hydrogen atom is converted into a helium atom, then heat is produced, which makes the object shine brightly, and the process is called fusion. The melting point of hydrogen is -434.5 F (-259.2 C) and the boiling point is -423.2 F (-252.9 C). In modern times, hydrogen is used in making plastics, refining metals, and fertilizers. The liquid form of hydrogen is mixed with the liquid form of oxygen to be used as fuel in rockets. In the future, hydrogen might replace gasoline as it is more eco-friendly, but at the same time, it is expensive too.

Properties Of Hydrogen

Hydrogen, which is also referred to as H2, is non-toxic, tasteless, colorless, and odorless in its nature. Organic solvents have one atom of hydrogen in them. It is known as the diatomic molecule.

Water is formed when hydrogen is mixed with oxygen, which is the most basic requirement of every living thing on earth. The molecular weight per volume is at least three times greater than gasoline. The density of hydrogen is high in its energy level, which has normal pressure and temperature. When kept under high pressure, the volume energy or power density of this element can be raised.

Metal catalysts are highly reactive with hydrogen atoms, and metal hydrides are easily absorbed with pure hydrogen. Hydrogen has a melting point of -434.5 F (-259.2 C) and a boiling point of -423.2 F (-252.9 C). Hydrogen has an atomic number of one, one electron, one proton, and two neutrons, and is highly flammable. The electronegative elements are less abundant in hydrogen.

The positive charge of hydrogen is called a cation, while the negative charge of hydrogen is called a hydride, or an anion. Protium is one of the most common hydrogen isotopes and does not consist of neutrons and one proton. Tritium and deuterium are two types of hydrogen isotope compounds. Including protium, the above two are naturally occurring isotopes.

Uses Of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is used in many different fields due to its chemical properties.

Hydrogen is used in the food processing industry, the production of fertilizers, the petroleum industry, and for treating metals. As hydrogen in its natural or pure form aids in the removal or reduction of the sulfur content in fuels.

Many sources are produced through hydrogen. It is a clean energy source to produce fuel that is eco-friendly. It is massively used in nuclear energy vehicles such as space rockets. Astronauts also used hydrogen to drink water in the spaceships. The chemical properties of molecular hydrogen are such that it is non-toxic in its nature.

So, when other chemical compounds such as carbon compounds, carbon dioxide, or carbon monoxide cannot be used, hydrogen forms provide the best way to be used. When a hydrogen atom is separated from oxygen, the process is called electrolysis, which is more sustainable as per its uses and chemical properties.

Benefits Of Hydrogen

There are many benefits to hydrogen, as it is a renewable energy source, a clean energy source, the biological molecules of hydrogen are non-toxic, and hydrogen removes the pollutants from natural gas.

Normal hydrogen is the best organic solvent, irrespective of its explosive mixtures. Hydrogen molecules are a great source of energy. As per the periodic table, although being highly flammable, normal hydrogen is the best way to stop air pollution. The abundant element of hydrogen can be found in biomass, coal, gasoline, or water, majorly depending upon various external factors such as pollution.

Fun Facts About Hydrogen

In 1766, hydrogen was discovered by a scientist from England, Henry Cavendish. Hydrogen was discovered in the form of an element.

Henry Cavendish used hydrochloric acid and zinc for a number of chemical experiments. It was through these experiments that hydrogen was discovered. On burning these chemical elements, he also discovered that water was produced. The word 'hydrogen' is derived from Greek and is divided into two small words: 'hydro', which means 'water', and 'genes', which means 'creator'.

The name was given to the newly discovered element by a scientist from France, Antoine Lavoisier. The element was named so because it was the element that created water. Many researchers and scientists believe that around 90% of atoms are made up of hydrogen in totality or in the universe. Hydrogen is the lightest element and is believed to be the only element that does not consist of neutrons.

Hydrogen is known to take the form of liquid when it is kept under the pressure of high temperatures and in an environment with low temperatures. Hydrogen in fluid metal form is believed to be found in the depths of big gaseous planets, such as Jupiter. The human body consists of 10% hydrogen.