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What Happens When Hydrogen Atoms Collide With One Another?

Hydrogen encompasses the most fundamental element in the Universe. Taking the number one spot on the periodic table, it consists of only one proton and one electron -- lacking a neutron altogether. This makes hydrogen extremely odd; while most elements fit up to eight electrons, hydrogen only requires two. This allows it to bond in a unique manner to several other atoms, such as oxygen, forming H2O. When hydrogen atoms collide, a variety of different things can happen.
  1. Gaseous State

    • Within the normal state at which humans exist, hydrogen exists as a gas, much like oxygen. Under these conditions, collisions result in hydrogen returning to the gaseous state as molecules are constantly moving around and colliding. This relatively boring result might potentially be altered if hydrogen was sped up to near the speed of light and then collided. The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) project allows atoms to be smashed together, producing quarks -- the fundamental building blocks of atoms that currently pose a mystery to scientists.

    Low Temperatures

    • Technology is already attempting to utilize the potential benefits of altering the state of hydrogen at low temperatures. When hydrogen atoms collide at very low temperatures, a liquid can be created. This forms the basis of hydrogen-powered vehicles, a green-energy technology currently being researched by major automobile manufacturers. The by-product of the technology is water, releasing no CO2.

    High Temperatures

    • If it wasn't for the constant collision and bombardment of hydrogen atoms upon one another within high temperatures, life on earth wouldn't exist. Hydrogen remains a critical component of many stars, most notably -- the sun. When hydrogen atoms are under extremely high temperatures and pressures, their collision causes fusion, creating helium atoms. The by-product of this is heat, as well as radiation.

    Hydrogen Facts

    • Hydrogen makes up the most common element in the Universe -- estimated to be around 75 percent. The highly flammable gas also provided one of the first forms of air travel -- known as "airships." These airships were extremely large ovals, looking like larger versions of today's blimps. In 1937, the Hindenburg airship caught fire and exploded in one of history's first large-scale air disasters. A total of 35 died in the wreck.


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