Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Joe L. Ogan on 20/08/2010 23:12:42

Title: If Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, wh is it so difficult t?
Post by: Joe L. Ogan on 20/08/2010 23:12:42

If hydrogen is the most common element in the universe, why is it so difficult to use?  Thanks for comments.  Joe L. Ogan

Title: If Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, wh is it so difficult t?
Post by: Yomi on 21/08/2010 05:32:41

Already its being used...

Title: If Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, wh is it so difficult t?
Post by: Joe L. Ogan on 21/08/2010 14:21:50

Of course it is being used but with difficulty.  It is difficult to accumulate and dangerous to use.  It is a very good source of energy.  Thanks for comments.  Joe L. Ogan

Title: If Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, wh is it so difficult t?
Post by: syhprum on 21/08/2010 17:28:57

Hydrogen is not of course a primary fuel it can only be produced by the expenditure of energy.
Although it contains a lot of energy in relation to its weight it is very light and must be stored in massive high pressure containers or in a liquid form at 20°K which is not very convenient!.
There is also the difficulty caused by the H2 molecule being very small which will easily pass thru membranes that are in-permeable to other gasses, all together not a very convenient method of storing energy its only redeeming feature is that when burnt at modest temperatures the only residude is H2O

Title: If Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, wh is it so difficult t?
Post by: tommya300 on 21/08/2010 22:56:07

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_fuel_cell

Title: If Hydrogen is the most common element in the Universe, wh is it so difficult t?
Post by: LeeE on 22/08/2010 00:10:40

The greatest problem with using Hydrogen is, as syhprum said, the Hydrogen molecules are very small, making it difficult to store because it'll get through holes that other molecules can't.  The same, although to a slightly lesser degree, applies to helium as well, which is why it has to be regularly replenished when used as a coolant.