SCIENCE NEWS - TASER #21

ELEMENT of the DAY - HYDROGEN

ELEMENT of the DAY - HYDROGEN

Hydrogen is the first element on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 1. This means each hydrogen atom has one proton. However, you're unlikely to find a hydrogen atom with the 'standard' equal number of protons, neutron and electrons per atom. The most common isotope of hydrogen is protium, which has one proton and no neutrons. Hydrogen is found in water and organic compounds. It's the most common element in the universe.
Here are basic facts about the first element in the periodic table, hydrogen.

1. Atomic Number: 1
   Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table, meaning it has an atomic number of 1 or 1 proton in each hydrogen atom.
2. Atomic Weight: 1.00794
   This makes hydrogen the lightest element.
3. Hydrogen is the most abundant element. About 75% of the element mass of the universe is hydrogen.
4. The most common isotope of hydrogen is protium, which has 1 proton and 0 neutrons.
5. Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable. It is used as a fuel by the space shuttle main engine and was associated with the famous explosion of the Hindenburg airship.
6. Hydrogen compounds commonly are called hydrides.
7. Hydrogen may be produced by reacting metals with acids (e.g., zinc with hydrochloric acid).
8. The physical form of hydrogen at room temperature and pressure is a colorless and odorless gas.
9. Hydrogen has many uses, though most hydrogen is used for processing fossil fuels and in the production of ammonia.
10. In compounds, hydrogen can take a negative charge (H-) or a positive charge (H+).