Is Hydrogen Flammable?

You may have heard about hydrogen fuel cells that could be possibly used in cars. Hydrogen is the lightest element that exists. Scientists are studying it to try to use it as a source of power because it would be an abundant and clean energy source, but there is a drawback: its flammability.

How Flammable is it?

Hydrogen is extremely flammable.

How Dangerous is it?

Hydrogen is more highly flammable at a much lower concentration than many other chemicals, so that even a small amount of hydrogen may catch fire or explode.

Has Hydrogen Been Used in Transportation Before?

Airships from the early 20th century used hydrogen as a way to make them float like balloons.

Dangers of Using Hydrogen

Due to hydrogen's highly flammable nature, using it in the airships of the early 20th century resulted in the infamous Hindenburg disaster, which occurred when the Hindenburg airship caught fire on May 6, 1937 in Lakehurst Naval Air Station in Manchester Township, New Jersey.

Fun Fact

The most abundant element that naturally occurs on Earth is hydrogen.