Uses of the Element Hydrogen
- Hydrogen can be used for medical purposes.brown bottle image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
The element hydrogen exists in large supply on the planet Earth--mostly in water--and has a large amount of energy concentrated within it. As scientists continue to work with it, they are discovering a wide variety of uses for this element, ranging from those that can help us to those that can hurt us. - Hydrogen can be processed in a way so it can become a very efficient type of energy source. Hydrogen fuel will burn very cleanly and will simply produce water as a byproduct, as opposed to pollutants that will harm the environment. When combined with oxygen, hydrogen can produce a very intense, hot burning fuel, which is used to power rockets. The primary downside of using hydrogen for fuel is that it is very expensive to process.
- Hydrogen can also be an energy source as the nuclei in its individual atoms can create an intense amount of energy when heated to extreme temperatures. This energy can be harnessed in a number of different ways. It can be used in nuclear reactors to power entire cities in a more efficient, less polluting way. It can also be used to create massive, catastrophic explosions in a hydrogen bomb. Scientists and governments are trying to focus on using the incredible power of hydrogen in peaceful ways, but there is always the concern that a hydrogen bomb will fall into the wrong hands.
- Hydrogen is used regularly in medicine for a number of different purposes. When infused with water, it creates hydrogen peroxide, which can sterilize wounds of any lingering bacteria when it is poured over an open cut. Liquid hydrogen may also be used to freeze different growths on the body itself, like warts, so that they can be painlessly cut off. Hydrogen peroxide can be bought over the counter in a pharmacy or medical supply store, but liquid hydrogen requires special equipment and permission to own and use. You will only be able to find it in a doctor's office or in a hospital.
