Hydrogen: A Utile Element

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Elements are the basic building blocks of matter due to the fact that they are chemically the simplest substances. Whether we can find them in the air or in our gold/silver necklaces, elements are everywhere! One essential element is hydrogen, the first element on the period table (located under Group 1 as an alkaline metal) is composed of a single proton and electron; therefore having an atomic number and atomic mass of 1 and electron configuration of 1s1. In fact, hydrogen is the lightest, simplest and most commonly found chemical element in the universe (it makes up about 90% of the universe by weight). Interestingly enough, the heavier elements on the periodic table were either made from hydrogen or other elements that were made from hydrogen. The most common isotope formed of hydrogen is protium, with 1 proton and no neutrons. Hydrogen can also exist as both positively or negatively charged. The physical form of hydrogen at room temperature is a colorless and odorless gas. Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and because of this chemical property, it is used as fuel for the main engine of space shuttles. Hydrogen is an important element and has received a lot of recognition throughout history for its usefulness. Hydrogen was first recognized in 1766 by an English chemist ad physicist named Henry Cavendish (who also discovered nitrogen) in London, England. Written records state that Robert Boyle produced hydrogen gas when experimenting with irons and acids in 1671, however, Henry Cavendish is known for first recognizing hydrogen as a distinct element. In 1766, Cavendish collected it over mercury; he described it as "inflammable air from metals." Cavendish evolved hydrogen gas by reacting zinc metal with hydr... ... middle of paper ... ...ecules in water using electricity and can be captured when it is being leaked by swampy areas. As you can see, hydrogen has many significant uses. In conclusion, hydrogen is one of the many important elements on the periodic table. Hydrogen makes up 2/3 of water, 1/4 of the air, 0.15% of the earth's crust, metal hydrides found in some batteries, and in many carbohydrates we eat. Hydrogen serves as many sources of fuel, such as fuel for most starts to produce energy or for rockets. Due to how useful this element is, hydrogen has received a lot of acknowledgement throughout history. Works Cited http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/h.htm http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele001.html http://www.webelements.com/hydrogen/ http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/chemistry/hydrogen.html http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/1/hydrogen

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