Where it is Found
Hydrogen (H) occurs combined in water, plant and animal tissue, wood, coal, gas, and all acids.
Properties
It resembles both nitrogen and oxygen in being colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It does not dissolve much in water and it will not cause things to burn, but unlike either nitrogen or oxygen it burns readily and even explodes when mixed with air and brought into contact with fire. It is the lightest substance known and, because of this fact, is used to fill balloons.
Uses
Hydrogen is important to the biologist because it unites readily with oxygen and forms water. It also combines with both oxygen and carbon (another element) and forms a whole series of compounds called fats, sugars, and starches. It is an essential ingredient in all organic tissue.
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