Elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter as they are chemically the simplest substances. Whether we find them in the air or in our gold/silver necklaces, the elements are everywhere! An essential element is hydrogen, the first element of the periodic table (located in Group 1 as an alkali metal) is composed of a single proton and electron; therefore having atomic number and atomic mass equal to 1 and electronic configuration equal to 1s1. In fact, hydrogen is the lightest, simplest, and most commonly found chemical element in the universe (it makes up about 90% of the universe's weight). Interestingly, the heaviest elements in the periodic table were made up of hydrogen or other elements made up of hydrogen. The most common isotope formed from hydrogen is protium, with 1 proton and no neutrons. Hydrogen can also exist with both positive and negative charges. The physical form of hydrogen at room temperature is a colorless, odorless gas. Hydrogen gas is extremely flammable and, because of this chemical property, is used as fuel for the main engine of space shuttles. Hydrogen is an important element and has received many accolades throughout history for its usefulness. Hydrogen was first recognized in 1766 by an English chemist and physicist named Henry Cavendish (who also discovered nitrogen) in London, England. Written records state that Robert Boyle produced hydrogen gas during experiments with irons and acids in 1671, however, Henry Cavendish is known to have first recognized hydrogen as a distinct element. In 1766 Cavendish picked it up on mercury; he described it as "flammable air coming from metals". Cavendish developed hydrogen gas by reacting metallic zinc with hydro... middle of paper... ecole in water using electricity and can be captured when it escapes from marshy areas. As you can see, hydrogen has many significant uses. In conclusion, hydrogen is one of the many important elements in the periodic table. Hydrogen makes up 2/3 of the water, 1/4 of the air, 0.15% of the Earth's crust, the metal hydrides found in some batteries and in many carbohydrates we eat. Hydrogen serves as many fuel sources, such as the fuel for most power generation plants or for rockets. Because of the usefulness of this element, hydrogen has received much recognition throughout history. Works Cited http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/h.htm http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele001. html http://www.webelements.com/hydrogen/ http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/chemistry/idrogen.html http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/1/ hydrogen