Hydrogen
💧 In Your World
Hydrogen is literally everywhere. It's the 'H' in H₂O, making up two-thirds of every water molecule on Earth. It's the fuel that powers the sun and stars, and it's the most abundant element in the entire universe. On Earth, it's being developed as a clean fuel source for cars and rockets, producing only water as a byproduct.
📖 The Discovery Story
In 1766, the English chemist Henry Cavendish was the first to recognize hydrogen gas as a distinct substance. He produced it by reacting metals with acid and called it "inflammable air" because it burned so easily. It was later named "hydrogen" by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier, from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "genes" (forming)—literally "water-former"—because it produced water when burned in air.
📊 Properties at a Glance
| Phase at STP | Gas |
| Melting Point | -259.16 °C / -434.49 °F |
| Boiling Point | -252.87 °C / -423.17 °F |
| Electron Configuration | 1s¹ |
| Abundance in Earth's Crust | 0.14% |
⚠️ Safety & Handling
Hydrogen gas (H₂) is extremely flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air. It is colorless, odorless, and much lighter than air, so it can accumulate in high, unventilated areas. It must be handled with extreme care in well-ventilated spaces, away from sparks or open flames.