Hydrogen

Hydrogen 

By:Caroline

Fig 1. Hydrogen on the periodic table.

       Hydrogen, also known as 'H' on the periodic table is the most simple, and most abundant element in the universe. The element is a colourless gas (non-metal,) with an atomic mass of 1. It is the very first element located in the alkali metal family, although it is not classified as a metal, and sits in the first period. Another important point about hydrogen is that it is known as its own "Group of One" due to the fact that it has one electron in its outer valence shell, just like sodium (Na,) Lithium (Li,) and potassium (K) but it is not a metal like these other elements. 

Fig 2. Bohr-Rutherford diagram of hydrogen.

Physical properties:

      Hydrogen is a tasteless, non-metallic, colourless, and odourless gas. It is the lightest element in the periodic table, with only 1 as its atomic mass. Hydrogen only has 1 proton, one electron, and contains no neutrons. The element has a density of 0.08988g/L. Hydrogen is normally a gas at standard temperature, with a melting point of -259.14 'C and a boiling point of -252.87 'C. It is more soluble in organic substances than in water.

Chemical properties:

      Hydrogen is the most flammable element located in the periodic table. At room temperature, hydrogen is not a reactive substance unless it has been forced or activated to do so. At high temperatures, hydrogen is a very reactive substance. 

                                                                        Discovery:

Fig 3. Henry Cavendish, the man who discovered hydrogen.

       Before hydrogen was officially discovered, it was constantly used and produced by scientists without them knowing what it was. In the beginning of the 1500's a physician named Paracelsus found that a flammable gas was released when iron fillings were added to sulphuric acid. In 1671, Robert Boyle, a philosopher made the exact same inspection. Paracelsus and Robert Boyle did not continue with their studies of the element, thus not getting the credits of discovering hydrogen. The credits of discovering hydrogen finally went to Henry Cavendish in 1766, when he preformed the same experiment as Paracelsus and Boyle, and collected the bubbles that were produced. When he collected the bubbles he proved that the mysterious gas was different from the well known gases at that time, and that when it is burned, it formed water. This also ended the belief that water was an element by itself. The name "hydrogen" meaning water-former was given to the element by Antoine Lavoisier in 1783.

Fig 4. Tank full of hydrogen gas.

General uses:

      The main use of hydrogen is as a 'clean' fuel source. Hydrogen is generated from water (H2O,) and can be returned back to its natural state when it is oxidised. It is now becoming a more popular source of energy and is being used in many methods of transportation. Some alternative uses of hydrogen are:

-Filling up air crafts, such as hot air balloons and air ships.

-The production of ammonia for fertiliser in agricultural situations.

-Coolant for batteries and engines.

-Hydrogenation of oils to form fats ex. margarine.

      Hydrogen is important not only in artificial circumstances (as explained above,) but it is also a necessity in the natural world. Most stars, and planets, including our sun, are compromised of hydrogen, and the element alone makes up about 70-75% of the universes mass. It is one of the key elements in water which is needed for life on Earth, and is one of the most common elements found in humans bodies. 

Typical compounds:

     Hydrogen is found in many compounds, and combines with a great amount of other elements to form compounds. Some of the main compounds formed with hydrogen are:

-Water (H2O)

-Hydrochloric acid (HCI)

-Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂₎

-Ammonia (NH₃₎

-Methane (CH₄₎

-Table sugar (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁₎

Extra information:

-Hydrogen is the only element that is capable of existing without any neutrons.

-Hydrogen is believed to be one element out of the three to be formed from the "Big Bang." The other two elements believed to be formed from this are helium (He) and lithium (Li.)

-Hydrogen has violent reactions with the elements oxygen (O,) chlorine (Cl,) and Fluorine (F.) 

-The lowest density of any liquid belongs to liquid hydrogen.

-Around 10% of the weight of any living organism is the element hydrogen. It is mainly located in the proteins, fats, and water inside of the organism.

-Most of the energy on the Earth is due to hydrogen. The fires that the sun gives off converts hydrogen into helium which in return, releases a great amount of energy used to heat the Earth. 

- The gas giant planets in our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, mainly consist of the element hydrogen.

Here is a video that explains hydrogen and important facts about it:
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/beN4CUi1e3G/?mode=movie#/

References:
-Blaszczak-Boxe, Agata. "Facts About Hydrogen." LiveScience. Purch, n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016
-"Hydrogen - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Hydrogen - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.                         

-Gagnon, Steve. "The Element Hydrogen." It's Elemental - The Element Hydrogen. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
-"Hydrogen Facts - Gas, Atom, Uses, Properties, Element H, Fuel Cell Car Engine." Hydrogen Facts - Gas, Atom, Uses, Properties, Element H, Fuel Cell Car Engine. Science Kids, 8 July 2016. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
-"Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association." What Is Hydrogen? N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.
-"Water Treatment Solutions." Hydrogen (H) - Chemical Properties, Health and Environmental Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.