Hydrogen

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Atomic symbol: H
Atomic number: 1
Group: 1
Period: 1
Series: Nonmetals



Natural Isotopes

  • H1
  • H2 Deuterium

Synthetic Isotopes

  • H3 Tritium
    • 12.33 year half life. Undergoes Beta Decay to become Helium 3(He3)
  • H4
    • Undergoes immediate Neutron Decay to become Tritium(H3)

Hydrogen is the simplest, lightest, and first element formed after the big bang. It is the most common element, making up approx 90% of the universe by weight. Hydrogen is one of the highly useful and necessary elements believed to be in critically short supply on Luna. Its most common nuclear permutation (isotope) is a single proton, although it can also exist with one (deuterium) or two (tritium) neutrons. On Earth, hydrogen is most commonly found combined with oxygen in the form of water (H2O).

Common uses of hydrogen which may be applied on the Moon include: rocket fuel, hydrogen fuel cells, ilmenite reduction, reduction of metal ores and nitrogen fixation. Deuterium/tritium can be as fuel used in nuclear fusion.

Hydrogen has possibly been detected at the Lunar poles, but the amount available has been a topic of controversy.

External Links

Environmental Chemistry: Hydrogen
WebElements: Hydrogen