Hydrogen-Uses of Hydrogen

Hydrogen can be defined as a chemical element symbolised with an alphabet H and atomic number 1. Compared to the other elements, hydrogen is the lightest element. Hydrogen can be defined as a gas signified by the formula H2 and comprises diatomic molecules. 

It is tasteless, colourless, and non-toxic. Hydrogen is a chemical substance that is roughly 75% present in all substances. Considering at cosmic level, the sun mainly comprises hydrogen. Hydrogen present on Earth exists as diatomic molecules to form compounds and water. 

Hydrogen gas is non-metallic except in an environment of extremely high pressure. To carry out acid-base reactions, hydrogen plays a vital role insoluble molecules as it usually involves the exchange of protons. 

In the early 16th century, Hydrogen gas was first produced as artificial gas with the help of different reactions on metals. The first person to identify hydrogen gas as a distinct substance was “Henry Cavendish”. He also recognized that burning hydrogen forms water. Hence, hydrogen was later known for its unique Greek characteristics and was named “ Water former”. 

Hydrogen comprises three types of Isotopes: Protium, Deuterium, and Tritium. Out of all three Isotopes, Tritium is considered to be radioactive.

Place of hydrogen in the periodic table 

If we speak about the placement of Hydrogen in a Periodic Table, then it is the first element to be placed. Although, the placement of hydrogen has been a matter of discussion in the past. As we all know, all the Periodic table elements are arranged as per their electronic configuration. 

The electronic configuration of hydrogen is 1s1, but on the other hand, its electronic configuration is similar to alkali metals which is ns1 which holds a position in the first group of the periodic table. However, halogens hold the seventeenth position in a periodic table. 

Therefore, hydrogen has a similarity with alkali metals which form negative ions. Along with alkali, it also has similarities with Halogens, in which metals include positive ions. 

Despite the similarity with alkali metals and halogens, hydrogen differs from the same. But the question remains where precisely should hydrogen be placed?

If in a Hydrogen atom one electron is lost, it results in a nucleus(H+) whose size is ~ 1.5×10-3 which is too tiny compared to regular ionic and atomic sizes. As a result, the existence of hydrogen is not independent, and therefore, it is always linked with other molecules. 

As hydrogen is unique in its behavioural trait, it is placed individually in a periodic table. 

Properties Of Hydrogen 

Hydrogen is defined as one of the lightest elements explosive in the presence of a flame, sunlight, or any spark. Despite its stable nature, hydrogen forms different types of bonds and is present in various types of compounds as well. 

Properties of Hydrogen are classified into two types-

• Physical Properties
• Chemical Properties.

Physical Properties

1. Hydrogen is one of the minor chemical elements as it comprises only one proton in its nucleus. 
2. It is the lightest element with an average weight of 1.0079 amu.
3. It has a boiling point of -252.870C and a melting point of -259.140C.
4. Hydrogen gas consists of 25 per cent parahydrogen and 75 per cent orthohydrogen.
5. Different types of hydrogen are liquid hydrogen, gaseous hydrogen, and slush hydrogen, a combination of liquid and gaseous hydrogen. 

Chemical Properties:

1. If there is a mixture of chlorine ranging from 5 to 95 per cent, there is a chance of Hydrogen gas explosion. 
2. The temperature of hydrogen autoignition is 50000
3. Different compounds that consist of hydrogen if mixed with metalloids and metals are known as hydrides. 
4. Despite its stability, hydrogen forms compounds with many other elements. 

Uses of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a form of gas that is naturally present in an atmosphere. But if converted into the purest form, it is highly flammable. 

Uses of hydrogen are as follows:

Gas Welding

• Hydrogen gas plays a vital role in gas welding. 
• At high temperatures, it helps to melt the metals as well. 
• Hydrogen also helps prevent the mixing of two metals, which is defined as atomic hydrogen welding.

Automobile Fuels

• Hydrogen fuel is also defined as zero efficient fuel which can burn if mixed with oxygen. 
• Instead of Petroleum fuels, hydrogen fuel cell technology is used for aviation fuels. 
• This technology is used in submarines and bikes as well. 

Petroleum Refinery

• To remove the sulphur, Hydrogen gas is used in the Petroleum industry.
• Hydrogen gas is also used for the process of hydroisomerization. 

Conclusion

Hydrogen, the lightest element, is tasteless, colourless, and non-toxic. Despite its similarity with Alkali metals and halogens, it occupies a space separately in the periodic table because of its unique characteristics. Hydrogen comprises three types of Isotopes: Protium, Deuterium, and Tritium, out of which Tritium is radioactive. Hydrogen is used mainly in gas welding, automobile fuel, and petroleum refinery.