The universe hides many secrets in its depths. Since ancient times, people have sought to unravel as many of them as possible, and despite the fact that this does not always work out, science goes forward by leaps and bounds, allowing us to learn more about our origin. So, for example, many will be interested in what is the most common chemical element in the Universe. Most will immediately think about water, and will be partly right, because the most common element is hydrogen.
The most common element in the universe
Very rarely, people have to deal with pure hydrogen. However, in nature it is very common in connection with other elements. For example, by reacting with oxygen, hydrogen turns into water. And this is far from the only connection that includes this element; it is found everywhere not only on our planet, but also in space.
How the Earth appeared
Many millions of years ago, hydrogen, without exaggeration, became the building material for the entire Universe. After all, after the big bang, which became the first stage in the creation of the world, there was nothing but this element. The hydrogen molecule is elementary, since it consists of only one atom. Over time, the most common element in the universe began to form clouds, which later became stars. And already inside them, reactions took place, as a result of which new, more complex elements appeared that gave rise to planets.
Hydrogen
This element accounts for about 92% of the atoms of the universe. But it is found not only in the composition of stars, interstellar gas, but also common elements on our planet. Most often it exists in a bound form, and the most common compound is, of course, water.
In addition, hydrogen is part of a number of carbon compounds that form oil and natural gas.
Interesting facts about hydrogen
- This element, most widespread on the Earth, is also the most light. However, it makes up about 75% of the mass of all elements of the planet.
- Hydrogen is found in large quantities in stars and "gas giants", playing an important role in the reactions taking place in them.
- Hydrogen in 1766 was discovered by a scientist named Henry Cavendish, who managed to get it as a result of a metal oxidation reaction.
- Two years later, the element got its name “hydrogen”. It was formed as a result of combining two Greek words - “hydro” (water) and “genesis” (birth), that is, the element is actually called so: “generating water”.
- At a temperature of -252.87 degrees, the most common element in the Universe goes into a liquid state, in which it can be used as rocket fuel.
- The element can also be brought to a solid state, then it becomes metallic hydrogen, the use of which has not yet been found.
- It is used as an alternative fuel for vehicles. It is more environmentally friendly than gasoline.
- The development of hydrogen fuel, which could be used everywhere, is underway. One possible option is to use the element in a solid state. If the work is successful, it will be a significant breakthrough.
- The most common element in the Universe is used in various fields, ranging from chemical to oil.
Output
Despite the fact that this is the most common element in the whole world, surprisingly, it can be dangerous for a person, because sometimes it lights up, reacting with air. To understand how important hydrogen has played in the creation of the Universe, it is enough to realize that without it, nothing living on Earth would have appeared.