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Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the building block of the Universe. Huge clouds of hydrogen gas collapse inwards and, under the crushing pressure, the core ignites to form a fiery mass that we see as a star.

In the star's core the hydrogen is transformed into helium and eventually, through various processes, all the other elements.

Images from Canadian radio telescopes are revealing the first steps in the birth of new stars, as clumps and filaments form in the cold hydrogen clouds of interstellar space.

Hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells. The chemical energy stored in hydrogen is released when the gas combines with oxygen to produce water. This energy is electrochemically converted into electrical energy in a fuel cell. However, even though more than 99% of all atoms found in our universe are hydrogen, the gas cannot be found as such in the environment of our planet and must be extracted from other sources such as water, natural gas, alcohols, petroleum products, and other fuels.

Additional Information

Learn more about relevant NRC research:

• An Odd Exploding Star