Thursday, May 21, 2009

Hydrogen is # 1! (Element of the Week)

Hydrogen is made of a single proton and a single electron (Atomic # 1). It's atomic weight is 1.00794. Its unigue structure means it forms weak (but plentiful) "hydrogen bonds" and it is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe! Yeah, it means Hyrdro and Genes: Water Forming, and it a big part of what gives water its unique characteristics, which explains alot about the sustainability on the big blue marble we call home.
Aproximately 90% of the known universe is composed of hydrogen. Most stars use hydrogen as their fuel that they burn to produce energy. Star food! Our home planets star, Mr. Sun, is no exception, and should not run out of hydrogen for about another 5 billion years. There is something profound about this element. Period number 1, group number 1 on the periodic table, it is unique and special. But that doesn't mean all good news. The food industry uses it to "hydrogenate" oils "hydrogenation" but just because it is good star food, I don't think we should put it in our food in this manner! However, the fusion process used by the stars to produce energy is a possible source of alternative energy being studied. We've known about hydrogen for a long time. It was recognized by Henry Cavendish as an element in 1766.
So Taoist. Simple, but powerful. that is why it is #1.

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