Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the lightest element and the most abundant chemical element in the universe, estimated to contribute 75% of the mass of the universe. Hydrogen is a gas of diatomic molecules having the formula H₂, and it is colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic, and non-metallic. Here are some key facts about hydrogen:
- Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can store and deliver usable energy.
- Hydrogen can be produced from diverse, domestic resources such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind.
- Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to produce electricity, and when consumed in a fuel cell, it produces only water.
- Hydrogen is used in industrial processes, as rocket fuel, and in fuel cells for electricity generation and powering vehicles.
- Hydrogen is also used for refining petroleum, treating metals, producing fertilizer and other chemicals, and processing foods.
Hydrogen is a clean alternative to methane, also known as natural gas, and it can be produced from a variety of resources. It is an important future clean energy source because it is a chemical that can be ‘burnt’ to provide useful energy, and it produces only water when consumed in a fuel cell.
