Hydrogen: the unifying element
The most common element in the universe is actually quite rare here on earth
Words by Andy Extance
Hydrogen is the most important element there is. It is both dangerous and essential at the same time – just two of its amazing qualities. Hydrogen can be found in our bodies and many things around us. Also, hydrogen connects us all to the start of the universe – and all other things!
The special qualities of hydrogen start from its building blocks. In its most familiar form, hydrogen is the simplest element. Its atoms have just one proton and one electron. Like most other elements, it has isotopes with extra neutrons. But hydrogen is the only element with named isotopes. It’s called deuterium when it has one neutron and tritium when it has two.