Hydrogen

H	1
Hydrogen

Abundance: 0.03% (as H₂O)

Hydrogen (periodic table symbol: H¹) is a chemical element that can be found in the atmosphere and in frozen water on Mars.

Biological significance

The metabolism of human beings, animals and microbes depends on water, composed of hydrogen and oxygen. The human body contains about 70% water. Human beings need about 2 liters water per day for drinking, hard working people need even more.

Production

Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis of water.

Use

• Hydrogen may be used directly as a fuel for a propulsion system, or, through the sabatier reaction, in the form of methane for the same purpose.
• Hydrogen can be used to react with iron ore or aluminium ore to create metals and water.
• Hydrogen can be combined with carbon to create carbohydrates, amino acids and hydrocarbons, the building blocks all all living organisms.