Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a very special element. It is the lightest of all the elements. It is also the most common thing in the whole universe. You cannot see or smell hydrogen. It is found in water, in the sun, and in almost every living thing.

All About Hydrogen

A hydrogen atom is the simplest atom of all. It has just one proton and one electron. Hydrogen is a gas at normal temperatures. It floats up because it is so light. Two hydrogen atoms can join with one oxygen atom to make water.

How We Use It

Hydrogen is useful in many ways. Stars like our sun burn hydrogen to make light and heat. Rockets use hydrogen as fuel to blast into space. Some cars run on hydrogen and only make water as exhaust. Scientists think hydrogen may be an important clean fuel of the future.

Fun Facts

• About 90 percent of all atoms in the universe are hydrogen.
• Hydrogen has no color, taste, or smell.
• The letter for hydrogen on the periodic table is H.

Did You Know?

The sun turns about 600 million tons of hydrogen into energy every single second.