Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the most abundant element in the universe, making up about 75% of its elemental mass. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas at room temperature. It is the lightest element and is commonly found in compounds such as water (H2O) and hydrocarbons.
Hydrogen consists of one proton and one electron. Its atomic structure is the simplest of all elements, with a single electron in its shell orbiting a nucleus containing a single proton. This makes hydrogen unique and interesting for scientific study.
Hydrogen is highly reactive and does not exist in its pure form in significant quantities on Earth. It is typically found in compounds such as water, hydrocarbons, and organic matter. It is also present in the atmosphere as diatomic hydrogen gas (H2).
Hydrogen has diverse applications across various industries. It is used in the production of ammonia for fertilizers, in the refining of petroleum, in the synthesis of methanol, and in the production of hydrogen fuel cells for clean energy technologies. It is also being explored as a potential clean fuel for transportation.