What Is Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the simplest element known to exist. An atom of hydrogen
has only one proton and one electron. Hydrogen has the highest energy
content of any common fuel by weight, but the lowest energy content by
volume. It is the lightest element, and a gas at normal temperature and
pressure.
Hydrogen is also the most abundant gas in the universe, and the source
of all the energy we receive from the sun. The sun is basically a giant
ball of hydrogen and helium gases. In a process called fusion, four
hydrogen atoms combine to form one helium atom, releasing energy as
radiation.
This radiant energy is our most abundant energy source. It gives us
light and heat and makes plants grow. It causes the wind to blow and the
rain to fall. It is stored as chemical energy in fossil fuels. Most of the
energy we use originally came from the sun.
Hydrogen as a gas (H 2 ), however, doesn’t exist naturally on earth. It
is found only in compound form. Combined with oxygen, it is water (H 2 O).
Combined with carbon, it forms organic compounds such as methane (CH 4 ),
coal, and petroleum. It is found in all growing things—biomass. Hydrogen
is also one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust.
Most of the energy we use today comes from fossil fuels. Only six
percent comes from renewable energy sources. Renewable sources are usually
cleaner, and can be replenished in a short period of time. We won’t run
out of hydrogen either.
Every day we use more fuel, principally coal, to produce electricity.
Electricity is a secondary source of energy. Secondary sources of
energy—energy carriers— are used to store, move, and deliver energy in
easily usable form. We convert energy to electricity because it is easier
for us to transport and use. Try splitting an atom, building a dam, or
burning coal to run your television. Energy carriers make life easier.
Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers for the future of
fuel.
It is a high efficiency, low polluting fuel that can be used for
transportation, heating, and power generation in places where it is
difficult to use electricity. Since hydrogen gas is not found in its
natural state on earth, it must be created.
|
