15 Interesting Facts About Hydrogen

Introduction:

Hydrogen is one of the most important elements in the universe and has a wide range of properties and uses. From powering fuel cells to aiding in the production of ammonia, hydrogen is an incredibly versatile element. In this article, we will be exploring fifteen interesting facts about hydrogen that you may not have known!

Fact 1: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe by far, accounting for 75% of total mass of the universe. Since hydrogen is so common, it can be found on the Earth, in the atmosphere and in stars and galaxies, making it essential for life as we know it.

Fact 2: Hydrogen was discovered in the 18th Century

Hydrogen was first discovered in 1766 by Henry Cavendish, a British scientist. He discovered hydrogen when he experimented with combining iron fillings and sulfuric acid. He named the element “inflammable air” which was eventually changed to hydrogen by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier.

Fact 3: It is represented by H in the periodic table

Hydrogen is represented in the periodic table by the symbol “H”. This symbol is derived from the Greek words “hydro” which means water and “genes” which means to form. The symbol for hydrogen shows how it forms its basic form of water when two hydrogen atoms unite with an oxygen atom.

Fact 4: It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas

Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. This makes it difficult to detect since it does not have the usual characteristics of a gas, as many other gases are visible, smelly or even give a flavor.

Fact 5: It is the lightest element on the periodic table

Hydrogen is the lightest element on the periodic table, and the lightest substance known to man. It has an atomic mass of 1.0079 amu which, when compared to other elements on the table, is the smallest.

Fact 6: Hydrogen is used to power the world’s largest spacecraft

Hydrogen is used to power the world’s largest spacecraft, the International Space Station (ISS). On board the station are three massive fuel tanks filled with hydrogen, which is used to propel the spacecraft and keep it in orbit.

Fact 7: It is used to aid in fuel cell electric vehicles

One of the most exciting applications of hydrogen is in the field of fuel cell electric vehicles, which use hydrogen as the source of energy. This form of transport is emission free and can be used to power cars, buses and even some aircraft.

Fact 8: Hydrogen is used in the production of ammonia

Hydrogen is also used in the production of ammonia, an important chemical for the production of fertilizer. Ammonia production requires an efficient and sustainable source of hydrogen, as the production process consists of a reaction between nitrogen and hydrogen.

Fact 9: Hydrogen is a highly combustible gas

Hydrogen is highly combustible and can be very dangerous when handled incorrectly. Hydrogen should always be stored in sealed and reinforced containers, as even a small spark can cause an explosion.

Fact 10: It is the third most common element in the sun

Hydrogen is the third most common element in the sun, accounting for 70% of the total mass of the sun. This is due to the extremely high temperatures in the sun’s core which allows hydrogen atoms to break down into protons and electrons.

Fact 11: It is used to block X-Ray radiations

Hydrogen can also be used to block X-Ray radiations. When hydrogen is placed between a source of X-Rays and a detector, it will absorb some of the radiation before it reaches the detector. This is useful in medical imaging and other scientific applications.

Fact 12: Liquid hydrogen is used in cryogenics

Liquid hydrogen is also used in the field of cryogenics, the study of very cold temperatures. Liquid hydrogen is used to effectively cool superconducting magnets, which are used for a variety of scientific and medical applications.

Fact 13: It is present in water in the form of H20 molecules

Most people know that hydrogen is found in water, however, many don’t realise that it is present in the form of molecules known as H20. These molecules consist of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and are essential for life on Earth.

Fact 14: The hottest star in the universe contains hydrogen

The hottest star in the universe, Eta Carinae, is made up mostly of hydrogen. It is estimated to be around 100,000 degrees Celsius and is thought to be 7,500 times brighter than our own Sun.

Fact 15: It is the most abundant element in the human body

Surprisingly, hydrogen is also the most abundant element in the human body. Most of the hydrogen in the body is found in the form of water molecules which make up around 60% of the body’s total mass.

Conclusion

Hydrogen is an incredibly important element with a wide range of properties and uses. From powering fuel cells and aiding in the production of ammonia, to blocking X-Ray radiations and being the most abundant element in the universe – there is no doubt that hydrogen plays an important role in our everyday lives. We hope you now have a better understanding of this fascinating element!