Hydrogen
Dakota Matje, Block 1
A brief introduction.
Hydrogen (symbolized as H on the periodic table) is noted as the most abundant element in the universe, being produced even as we speak by almost every star around (our own Sun included). Physically (as Hydrogen is a gas), it is tasteless, colorless and odorless in air. It is also highly flammable, burning over a blue flame to create water particles. Finally (since it's mass is about 1.01) Hydrogen is the lightest element on the periodic table. As stated before, as Hydrogen is highly flammable--it combusts violently in air and was the main cause for the Hindenburg disaster. It explodes upon ignition and burns in the air, it is also insoluble in water. To find any trace of Hydrogen, one must simply look around at any corner of the Earth. Hydrogen is formed almost every second throughout the known Universe in the cores of stars (the exceptions being the stars off of the Main Sequence, who produce Helium - Iron). Some of it's more common compounds include Water (H20), Proteins, particles of Alcohol (OH), and Ammonia (NH3). Hydrogen's most common isotope is called Protium, which is composed simply of one proton and no neutrons. Other isotopes include Deuterium (which is created during nuclear fusion), and Tritium (with 2 neutrons and 1 proton).
A short story.
The life of a Hydrogen atom begins in absolutely any location in the observable universe. As it's the most basic element in existence and the most abundant (Hydrogen composes 75% of the Universe) there is no shortage, and there won't be for some time now. Depending on where it's located, Hydrogen will either bond with another hydrogen and one oxygen atom to form Water (most likely on Earth), or it also has the possibility to be bonded with multiple Hydrogen atoms to form isotopes like Deuterium in the centers of stars. Hydrogen fusion is the process that keeps almost every star in the universe alive, by forming Deuterium and then anti-matter particles like the Positron in order to fuse and create Helium.
Hydrogen Density in Andromeda
The picture above highlights the neutral hydrogen density in the galaxy of Andromeda, approximately 2.5 million lightyears away. Even the farthest galaxies contain large amounts of Hydrogen.
Hindenburg Disaster
The destruction of the Hindenburg Zeppelin due to Hydrogen Combustion. A product of blind ambition and disregard for Hydrogen's chemical properties, the Hindenburg swiftly was burned as a result of its hubris.
Hydrogen Bomb Explosion
This explosion was created through the use of Hydrogen Fusion, the same process which appropriates constant nuclear reaction in our Sun and almost every star in the universe.