The Handy Element Hydrogen | Periodic Table - ChemTalk
Learn all about the element hydrogen of the perodic table, along with its properties and fun facts. It's the smallest element, but it has a big role in chemistry.
chemistrytalk.orgA nucleus containing one proton and one electron orbiting it gets its name from Greek roots meaning water creator, reflecting its reaction with oxygen to form water. It has atomic number 1, and its atomic weight is about 1.008. Electrons are held by electromagnetic attraction and is described by quantum mechanics rather than a fixed orbit. Its structure and roles span chemistry and astrophysics in many summaries. The hydrogen atom is the simplest and most abundant in the universe. Hydrogen appears as a colorless, odorless gas with flammable properties.