Latest News About Atoms: hydrogen essentials

Updated 2026-06-18 13:06

A single proton in the nucleus with one surrounding electron is the name derived from the Greek for ‘maker of water’, reflecting its reaction with oxygen to form water. It has atomic number 1, and its atomic weight is about 1.008. Electrons are held by electromagnetic attraction and is described by quantum mechanics rather than a fixed orbit. Its structure and roles span chemistry and astrophysics in many summaries. The hydrogen atom is the simplest and most abundant in the universe. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and flammable gaseous substance.

Sources

Hydrogen Atom | Basics, Structure & Importance

Unraveling the hydrogen atom, this article delves into its simple structure, quantum mechanics, and significance across multiple scientific and technological domains.

modern-physics.org

Hydrogen | Properties, Uses, & Facts | Britannica

Hydrogen, a colorless, odorless, tasteless, flammable gaseous substance that is the simplest member of the family of chemical elements. The earliest known chemical property of hydrogen is that it burns with oxygen to form water; indeed, the name hydrogen is derived from Greek words meaning ‘maker of water.’

www.britannica.com