Hydrogen

Definition

Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas that constitutes the majority of the universe's elemental mass.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪdrədʒən/
• Respelling: HY-druh-jen (with "HY" as in "high," "druh" as in "drum," and "jen" as in "gen")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪdrədʒən/
• Respelling: HY-druh-jen (with "HY" as in "high," "druh" as in "drum," and "jen" as in "gen")

In both dialects, "hydrogen" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HY." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HY-druh-jen."

Etymology

"Hydrogen" derives from the Greek words "hydro-" (meaning "water") and "-genes" (meaning "forming" or "creator"). The name reflects its primary property of forming water when it burns.

Derivatives

• Hydrogenate (verb)
• Hydrogenation (noun)
• Hydrogenous (adjective)
• Dehydrogenate (verb)
• Dehydrogenation (noun)

Synonyms

• H
• Element 1
• Protium (for the most common isotope)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

Hydrogen is used in a wide range of applications, from being a fuel in the form of hydrogen gas (H₂) to its role in water (H₂O) and organic compounds. It is critical in industrial processes such as ammonia production and hydrogenation of fats and oils.

Related Terms

• Hydrogen bond
• Hydrogen fuel cell
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Deuterium
• Tritium

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Chemical Element: A colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas, the lightest of all gases and the most abundant element in the universe.
  • Example: Hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water.

• Fuel Source: Used as a clean fuel in hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity, with water as the only byproduct.
  • Example: Hydrogen fuel cells are being explored as an alternative energy source for vehicles.

• Industrial Use: Employed in various industrial processes, including the production of ammonia for fertilizers and the hydrogenation of oils.
  • Example: The chemical plant uses hydrogen in the production of ammonia.

Note: Hydrogen plays a fundamental role in the universe and is the base material for the stars' energy processes. On Earth, it is an essential element in water and organic compounds and has significant potential as a clean fuel source.