Where is hydrogen especially abundant in the universe?

The Sun and other stars consist largely of hydrogen, and astronomers estimate that about 90% of the atoms in the universe are hydrogen atoms.

What are the three hydrogen isotopes?

Protium ($^1H$), deuterium ($^2H$ or $D$), and tritium ($^3H$ or $T$).

Why do hydrogen isotopes have similar chemistry?

They have the same electron structure, which governs most chemical behavior, even though their nuclei have different masses.

How can deuterium be obtained?

Electrolysis of heavy water, $D_2O$, can produce deuterium gas.

Inorganic chemistryLesson 4 of 9 in the course Representative Metals, Metalloids, and Nonmetals

Hydrogen: Occurrence, Preparation, Reactivity, and Compounds

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Hydrogen is the simplest element and the most abundant element in the universe. This lesson explores where hydrogen occurs, the forms in which it is found, and the distinctive properties of its isotopes.

Astronomers estimate that about 90% of the atoms in the universe are hydrogen atoms. The Sun and other stars consist largely of hydrogen. On Earth, hydrogen is rarely found as an uncombined element; it is present in many compounds. Water is the most abundant hydrogen-containing compound on Earth. Hydrogen also occurs in petroleum, minerals, cellulose, starch, sugars, fats, oils, alcohols, and acids.

All flashcards

Where is hydrogen especially abundant in the universe?: The Sun and other stars consist largely of hydrogen, and astronomers estimate that about 90% of the atoms in the universe are hydrogen atoms.
What is the most abundant hydrogen-containing compound on Earth?: Water is the most abundant hydrogen-containing compound on Earth.
What are the three hydrogen isotopes?: Protium ( $^1H$ ), deuterium ( $^2H$ or $D$ ), and tritium ( $^3H$ or $T$ ).
Why do hydrogen isotopes have similar chemistry?: They have the same electron structure, which governs most chemical behavior, even though their nuclei have different masses.
How can deuterium be obtained?: Electrolysis of heavy water, $D_2O$ , can produce deuterium gas.

Quiz questions

What fraction of atoms in the universe are estimated to be hydrogen atoms?Answer: About 90%.
What is the molecular form of elemental hydrogen at ordinary temperatures?Answer: Diatomic molecules, $H_2$ .
Which hydrogen isotope is radioactive?Answer: Tritium, $^3H$ or $T$ .
Why are the chemical properties of hydrogen isotopes very similar?Answer: They have identical electron structures.
What happens to heavier hydrogen isotopes as liquid hydrogen evaporates?Answer: They become concentrated in the last portions to evaporate because they have lower vapor pressures.

Based on Chemistry 2e by Paul Flowers, Klaus Theopold, Richard Langley, William R. Robinson, PhD (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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