🎈Hydrogen vs Helium🪅
Hydrogen and helium are the first two elements and the most abundant in the universe, yet their chemistry could not be more different.
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🎈Hydrogen
- ✓Atomic number 1, one electron
- ✓Highly reactive and flammable
- ✓Forms compounds like water and acids
- ✓Used as fuel and in ammonia synthesis
- ✓Most abundant element in the universe
🪅Helium
- ✓Atomic number 2, full outer shell
- ✓Inert and non-flammable
- ✓Forms essentially no compounds
- ✓Used in balloons and cryogenics
- ✓Second most abundant element
Verdict
Hydrogen is light and reactive while helium is light and inert. Their one-electron difference makes one a fuel and the other a safe lifting gas.
Frequently asked
Why is helium safer in balloons?+
Helium is inert and non-flammable, while hydrogen can ignite explosively.
Which is more abundant?+
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, followed by helium.
Why is helium unreactive?+
Its outer electron shell is full, so it has no tendency to gain, lose or share electrons.
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