Question

Does Hydrogen have a proper place assigned to it in the Modern Periodic Table? Explain.

Answer 1

Hydrogen is the smallest and the lightest element and has the first position which is an unique position in the periodic table. Hydrogen behave like alkali metals as well as halogens and that is why, they ‘re placed at the top of the periodic table.

It has top position in the periodic table because of its uniqueness and similarities to other group of elements. Some of which are:

It has a valence electron of 1. The valance electronic configuration of hydrogen is the same with the group 1A elements.
It can form an ion with a charge of +1
Hydrogen and other alkali metals are good reducing agents
It forms compounds with non-metals , such as-

Halides (HCl, HBr, HI, HF)
Group IVA (CH4)
Group VI (H2O, H2S)
Can be metallic at extreme conditions (~250,000 atm)
Hydrogen can lose its only electron to form hydrogen ion(H+) which resembles alkali metals (M) that yield M+ ions. It can also gain one electron to form hydride ion (H-) similar to halogen (X) forming halide ions (X-). Thus, Hydrogen is unique and anomalous in being similar to two group of elements.