The Hydrogen Atom

The Hydrogen Atom

Approximately three-quarters of the universe is believed to be made up of hydrogen atoms. Hydrogen was identified as a distinct substance by Cavendish in 1766 even though it had been prepared many years before. Hydrogen is the most abundant of all elements in the universe. It is found in the sun and most stars playing an integral part in the carbon-nitrogen cycle. On earth, hydrogen exists mainly in combination with oxygen in water but is present in organic matter such as living plants, coal, petroleum, etc. Hydrogen is used for rocket fuel, for welding, production of hydrochloric acid and filling balloons. In combination with other elements, hydrogen can be highly explosive and dangerous. [LM] {CI}