This document provides an introduction to hydrogen, including:
- Hydrogen is the lightest element and most abundant in the universe. On Earth, it exists primarily in molecular form.
- Hydrogen has three naturally occurring isotopes: protium, deuterium, and tritium. Differences in mass between isotopes cause isotopic effects.
- Hydrogen exhibits properties of both alkali metals and halogens due to its electronic configuration and reactivity. It is placed in the periodic table between them.
- Common methods to produce hydrogen include the electrolysis of water and the reaction of steam with hydrocarbons over a catalyst. Hydrogen has many industrial and energy applications.