Why Hydrogen is the Most Important Element

Why Hydrogen is the Most Important Element;

Neutrons are overrated, anyways.

By: Bianca Moauro

Hydrogen (chemical symbol: H) is the first element on the periodic table. It appears in the first period on the Periodic Table with the alkali metal family, but obviously, Hydrogen does not belong with them, as it is a non-metal. It is often referred to as a 'group of one' element, as it doesn't particularly share any significant qualities with any other elements. It has an atomic mass of 1,00794, making it the lightest element, about 1/15 as light as air. It claims atomic number 1 and has 1 proton, no neutrons and 1 electron.

Hydrogen atom

Hydrogen's spot on the Periodic Table

Physical Properties

Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-pliable, non-ductile element. It's density is 0.00008988 g/cm^3.  It's melting point is -259.34 degrees Celsius and it's boiling point is -252.87 degrees Celsius and at room temperature, it's state is gas. Hydrogen atoms can only exist without another element when it is bonded with another Hydrogen atom, so technically, it's chemical formula is H2. Though it is the most abundant substance in the universe, Hydrogen is rarely ever found on earth without being bound to another element in a compound. 

Chemical Properties

Hydrogen is highly combustible and flammable. It only reacts with few other elements, those being fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes chlorine. Some typical compounds it forms are water (H2O), ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), table sugar (C12H22O11), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). 

Vial of glowing, ultrapure hydrogen. 

How was Hydrogen Discovered?

Robert Boyle unknowingly produced hydrogen gas in his lab in 1671 while he was experimenting with iron and acids. It wasn't until years later in 1766 that Henry Cavendish (an English chemist who discovered nitrogen) recognized it as an element, much different from just a compound or anything of the like. French chemist Antoine Lavoisier named the element Hydrogen. The name Hydrogen comes from the Greek words 'hydro' (water) and 'genes' (forming). 

How Hydrogen is Found and Why it's Important

Hydrogen is usually produced by heating natural gas with steam to form a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (called syngas) from which the hydrogen is harvested. 

Hydrogen can be used to make many useful compounds that go from being the basis of life (water) to helpful household compounds (such as hydrogen peroxide). Besides being an important structural element, it also bonds with chlorine to create hydrochloric acid in the stomach that helps break down fat and protein. There is hardly any other elements that compares to how often hydrogen is used so often for such important functions.

Hydrochloric acid, a clear, pungent compound with the chemical formula HCl

One of the most important compounds on earth, water, is formed when energy causes hydrogen and oxygen molecules to fit together. Without water, there would be no life on earth; all plants and animals need it to survive. Besides drinking it to live, water is also used for cleaning our bodies, cooking, washing materials and recreation, such as swimming. 

Water, the basis of all human life. 

In it's chemical compound with nitrogen (ammonia), hydrogen is used as a fertilizer and household cleaner. It forms ammonia through the Haber process, in which it is reacted with nitrogen. It is an effective agent for removing dirt and stains. It is also very useful for cleaning surfaces such as glass, wood and marble.

Ammonia, clear with a strong smell in it's liquid form. (chemical formula: NH3)

Methane, hydrogen's compound with carbon, is a powerful greenhouse gas that can be burned to create electricity, heat buildings and power garbage trucks. 

A ring of methane gas burning. (formula: CH4)

Table sugar, which is formed with a whopping 12 parts nitrogen, 22 parts hydrogen and 11 parts oxygen is a very, very useful compound to our society. Sugar is important for a healthy, balanced diet and a great source for energy. Amongst other things, it can be used to sweeten drinks and food, relieve a singed tongue, and help prevent dehydration in children with infantile diarrhea or vomiting. 

Table sugar, a white, crystalline compound that is very prominent in our daily lives.

Hydrogen Peroxide is used for about 60% of the world's pulp and paper bleaching. It is also a great disinfectant for many things, such as scrapes and burns. It is also used for mouthwashes, to whiten nails and clear up acne. 

Hydrogen peroxide, a clear and strong-smelling liquid.

Facts

- Hydrogen makes up about 75% of the mass of our universe.

- Hydrogen is the only element that can exist without neutrons.

- 72% of the sun is make of hydrogen.

- Hydrogen is non-polluting. The only byproducts that form from burning it are heat and water vapour.

- In compounds, hydrogen can take a positive or negative charge.

- Because hydrogen is so light, most of it floats up out of our atmosphere. This is why hydrogen is so rare to find naturally on earth. 

- Positive ions of hydrogen are called hydrons and negative ions are called hydrides. 

- When ionized, hydrogen can glow various colours.

The "nursery of new stars" nebula, a large region of ionized hydrogen creating new stars.

References

All images were found using google.ca

Blaszczak-Boxe, Agata. "Facts About Hydrogen." LiveScience. Purch, 23 Jan. 2015. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

"Covalent Bonding - Hydrogen Molecule." Covalent Bonding - Hydrogen Molecule. N.p., 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

Gagnon, Steve. "The Element Hydrogen." It's Elemental - The Element Hydrogen. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

"Chemical Elements." Chemical Elements - Hydrogen. N.p., 5 Mar. 2016. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

Winter, Mark. "Hydrogen: Historical Information." Hydrogen»historical Information [WebElements Periodic Table]. N.p., Dec. 2016. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

"Periodic Table of Elements: Los Alamos National Laboratory." Periodic Table of Elements: Los Alamos National Laboratory. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

"Hydrogen - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table." Hydrogen - Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. N.p., Dec. 2014. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

 "Water - It's Importance and Source." Department of Health. N.p., Nov. 2010. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.

"Methane Capture and Use." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, 3 Mar. 2016. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Organisation, World Sugar Research. "Facts about Sugar." Facts about Sugar. N.p., 2012. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.