Periodic table / Hydrogen

Overview

Hydrogen is a chemical element with chemical symbol H and atomic number 1. With an atomic weight of 1.00794 u, hydrogen is the lightest element on the periodic table. Its monatomic form (H) is the most abundant chemical substance in the Universe, constituting roughly 75% of all baryonic mass.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Hydrogen is 1s1, with electron shells of 1.

Physical and chemical properties

Hydrogen is classified as a nonmetal. It has an atomic mass of 1.008 and exists as a gas at standard conditions, appearing as colorless gas.

Real-world uses of Hydrogen

Hydrogen plays an important role in chemistry and biology, and is used in industrial processes, manufacturing, or as a key component of compounds essential to life.

Interesting facts about Hydrogen

• Hydrogen has the atomic number 1 and chemical symbol H.
• It belongs to period 1, group 1 of the periodic table.
• Hydrogen was discovered by Henry Cavendish.

Explore Hydrogen interactively

Want to compare Hydrogen with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on H to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.