What are Some Uses of Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the lightest element on the Periodic Table. At room temperature, it is a transparent, highly flammable gas. Because hydrogen is so light, all atmospheric hydrogen has already evaporated out into space, although it can be created artificially. In industrial settings, hydrogen is usually synthesized by exposing a metal such as zinc to a strong acid. The result is a diatomic gas, H2. Hydrogen is used in massive quantities in the petroleum and chemical industries. In a petrochemical plant, hydrogen is used for hydrodealkylation, hydrodesulfurization, and hydrocracking, all methods of refining crude oil for wider use. In the food industry, hydrogen is used to hydrogenate oils or fats, which permits the production of margarine from liquid vegetable oil. Hydrogen is used to produce methanol and hydrochloric acid, as well as being used as a reducing agent for metal ores. In the early 20th century, hydrogen was used as a lifting gas for airships, although this ended for good in 1937
