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10 Fun Facts About Hydrogen

Being the most abundant element which accounts for about 75% of all matter. Hydrogen in its pure form cannot be found in large quantities on Earth but it is found in compounds like water and hydrocarbons. However, it can be a highly flammable gas.

Click here to read more about other important gases.

There are different applications for hydrogen. This includes being used as a fuel source for buses, and other vehicles. When burned, hydrogen combines with oxygen in the air to produce water vapor which is a clean byproduct. In the aerospace industry, hydrogen is used as a rocket propellent.

Currently, research into developing more efficient and sustainable ways to produce hydrogen is ongoing. These different ways to produce hydrogen will be beneficial to most of the industries that influence the society we know today will benefit to a great extent.

Amazingly, hydrogen can be found in the planets Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. However, Jupiter has been noted for mostly being made of hydrogen. In fact, Jupiter and Saturn are composed of mostly helium and hydrogen.

1. The Significant Meaning Behind The Name

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Hydrogen comes from the Greek words hydro which means water and genes which means form. The name reflects the fact that hydrogen can be obtained from water. It was named by French chemist Antoine Lavoisier in 1783.

Read more about atmospheric scientists here.

2. Hydrogen is The Most Abundant Element

As the lightest element in the periodic table, it has an atomic number of 1. Amazingly, 75% of all mass is hydrogen while 90% of all atoms are hydrogen. In the human body, it makes up around 10% by mass. In its liquid state, hydrogen has a lower density than water which makes it possible to float airships and balloons.

3. Hydrogen Will Have a Huge Role In The Future

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Scientists have shared that in the future, hydrogen will have a role in energy storage and transportation. Aside from the current manufacture of ammonia for fertilizer and hydrogeneration of oils, will be used in wielding and in fuel for vehicles.

The growth of space exploration has shown that even in the near future, hydrogen will still be a high factor in the market. By 2050, the demand for clean hydrogen could grow to approximately 660 million metric tons annually.

Click here to read more about the uses of hydrogen for entertainment.

4. It Can Be Utilized For Entertainment

Hydrogen can also be used for making exploding balloons or conducting science experiments for school projects. The classic pop can rocket experiment is used to demonstrate Newton’s third law of motion which is for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Some people enjoy using hydrogen-powered remote-controlled cars or boats as a hobby. However, it is advised to handle hydrogen properly and every experiment should be done with proper safety measures.

5. Hydrogen Has Powerful Fuel Cells

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Hydrogen fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy which is stored in hydrogen into electrical energy. The technology is a viable alternative to conventional combustion engines.

These fuel cells are being developed for a variety of applications. The potential of this technology has become a major player in the clean energy landscape is growing.

6. It Is a Factor In the Cleaning and Sanitization of Supplies

Hydrogen peroxide is a clear liquid that is slightly thicker than water. Its common uses are as a disinfectant because it is effective at killing bacteria, and viruses. Even though it can be dangerous when exposed to the skin, it is still widely used. When added to a humidifier, hydrogen peroxide can clean and disinfect the machine and prevent the growth of mold.

7. Hydrogen Utilized For Hot Air Balloons

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It is commonly used as a lifting gas. When it is ignited, it burns quickly and cleanly which causes the gas to heat the air inside the balloon envelope. On numerous occasions, hydrogen is preferred over helium because it has a higher lifting capacity and is more economical. To ensure safety, the hydrogen used in balloons, is kept in strong containers thus reducing the risk of combustion.

8. Hydrogen Has Different Uses At Home

At home, hydrogen peroxide can be used as a natural teeth whitener when mixed with baking soda. It can also be added to the washing machine to help remove stains and brighten white clothes.  Hydrogen peroxide together with baking soda can create a paste that effectively cleans and whiten grout in between tiles.

9. The Necessity of Hydrogen for Space Exploration

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There are multiple uses of hydrogen for space exploration. This includes fuel for spacecraft propulsion and power generation. In space, hydrogen is used to generate breathable oxygen for astronauts. Hydrogen and oxygen can be used to produce water in space. To split water into oxygen and hydrogen, a process called electrolysis needs to take place. The process can be reversed in order to produce water.

10. Hydrogen Can Be Used By Numerous Industries

In the food industry as a protective gas to prevent food spoilage and discoloration. It is also added to the production of food additives. Aside from the food industry, hydrogen is also used to reduce metals from their oxides in the refining process. Gas turbines and other power generation technologies use hydrogen to produce electricity. This is useful in remote areas where traditional power sources are not available.

Read more about the Earth’s Atmosphere and its gases here.

Hydrogen has been referred to as the fuel of the future because it has the potential to be used as a clean. Even though producing hydrogen gas requires a lot of energy, it is still a strong factor in every other industry. Before hydrogen becomes a mainstream energy stream, there are several challenges that need to be overcome including finding a cost-effective and sustainable way to produce hydrogen gas. There are numerous challenges facing the entirety of hydrogen gas but there are potential benefits of it being a clean and renewable energy source.