Hydrogen is the simplest element in the universe. It is also the most abundant element. A hydrogen atom contains one proton and one electron giving it a simple structure. This simplicity means that it has been used in chemistry to develop the theories behind the structure of an atom and theories of bonding. Hydrogen is not just important in chemistry but it is important in every day life. It is the main constituent of water (H2O) which is vital for human and most life on the planet. The fact that water covers 2/3 of the planet means that water is are biggest sources of hydrogen. However hydrogen is not just need to make water. It is used in Haber process which gives ammonia to make such things as fertilizers, Nuclear reactor for power and many other chemical processes.
New research has pushed the bounders of hydrogen in chemistry and life. It is now being used to power veacals with the energy produced when oxygen reacts with hydrogen to produce water. Also hydrogen fusion is trying to be perfected to produce energy in the same way as the sun produces its energy.
Hydrogen is a gas at room temperature and pressure. It is tasteless, odorless and colourless. The melting point and boiling point are very low. Like other many other gaseous elements hydrogen forms a diatomic. A molecule of hydrogen less dense than air and rise above it. It is so light that it escapes the earth’s gravitational pull and goes in to space. This is why little pure hydrogen gas is found in the atmosphere.
Production and uses of hydrogen isotopes of hydrogen History of hydrogen Author: James Guscott(document modification date: 22nd may 2003)sources for website are:HydrogenNow.com, Encarta at MSN, Inorganic Chemistry and The Elements of physical chemistry