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hydrogen

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Hydrogen is the lightest element in the universe. It is a gas that is colourless, odourless, and tasteless.

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up about 75% of all matter. It is also the most abundant element in the Sun and other stars.

Hydrogen is used in many different ways, including:

  • Making fertiliser
  • Producing plastics
  • Fueling rockets
  • Generating electricity

How can the word be used?

Hydrogen is the main component of water.

hydrogen

Different forms of the word

Noun: Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It is a colourless, odourless, and flammable gas.

Verb: To hydrogenate something is to add hydrogen to it. This can be done for a variety of purposes, such as making fats and oils more solid or making plastics more durable.

Adjective: Hydrogenous means containing hydrogen. For example, water is a hydrogenous compound because it is made up of hydrogen and oxygen.

Etymology

The word "hydrogen" comes from the Greek words "hydro" (water) and "genes" (forming), meaning "water-forming". This is because hydrogen gas is the main component of water, and it is produced when hydrogen and oxygen react together.

Question

What is hydrogen?