Hydrogen - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Discover the amazing properties of hydrogen and why it's essential to our world
What is Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the simplest and lightest chemical element in the universe. It's the first element on the periodic table with the symbol H and atomic number 1. This means each hydrogen atom has:
• 1 proton in its nucleus
• 1 electron orbiting around the nucleus
• 0 neutrons in its most common form
Hydrogen is so light that it can float right out of Earth's atmosphere! In nature, hydrogen atoms usually pair up to form H₂ molecules (two hydrogen atoms bonded together).
Did You Know?
Hydrogen makes up about 75% of all the normal matter in the universe! Stars like our Sun are mostly made of hydrogen.
Hydrogen Properties
Hydrogen has some amazing properties that make it special:
Lightest Element
14 times lighter than air, can float balloons
Highly Flammable
Burns easily when mixed with oxygen
Three Isotopes
Protium (0 neutrons), Deuterium (1), Tritium (2)
Colorless Gas
No smell or taste at normal conditions
Forms Compounds
Creates water (H₂O), ammonia (NH₃), and more
Hydrogen exists in three main forms called isotopes:
1. Protium - Most common form (99.98%), just 1 proton and 1 electron
2. Deuterium - Has 1 neutron, used in nuclear reactors
3. Tritium - Has 2 neutrons, radioactive (used in glow-in-the-dark signs)
At very cold temperatures (-253°C or -423°F), hydrogen becomes a liquid that scientists use in rockets!
Why Hydrogen Matters
Hydrogen is essential to life and technology in many ways:
Water Formation
Hydrogen combines with oxygen to make water (H₂O)
Rocket Fuel
Liquid hydrogen powers space shuttles and rockets
Clean Energy
Fuel cells use hydrogen to make electricity with only water as waste
Other important uses of hydrogen:
• Ammonia production for fertilizers (helps grow food)
• Oil refining to make gasoline and other fuels
• Food industry to process vegetable oils
• Metallurgy to process metals like tungsten
• Weather balloons because it's lighter than air
Scientists are working on using hydrogen as a clean fuel for cars and homes because when it burns, the only waste product is water!
Hydrogen Quiz
Test your hydrogen knowledge with this 5-question quiz. Choose the best answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about hydrogen:
Hydrogen Science Trivia
Discover some amazing hydrogen facts:
Space Exploration
The Saturn V rockets that took astronauts to the Moon used about 200,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen as fuel for each launch!
Energy Champion
Pound for pound, hydrogen contains nearly 3 times as much energy as gasoline, making it an incredibly powerful fuel.
Historical Discovery
Hydrogen was first identified as a distinct element by Henry Cavendish in 1766. He called it "inflammable air" because it burned so easily.
Special Properties
Hydrogen is the only element that can exist without neutrons. It's also the only element that can form both positive and negative ions easily.
