Question

Give a reason for the following.

Hydrogen is used as fuel in space rockets.

Answer 1

Hydrogen:

• Hydrogen is a chemical element having an atomic number equal to one.
• It was discovered by Henry Cavendish.
• It is a gas with no color and odor and has the lowest density of all gases.
• It is a highly inflammable gas.
• It exists in the diatomic form in nature so 2 atoms of hydrogen make one molecule H₂.

Hydrogen as rocket fuel:

• Hydrogen normally exists in gaseous form but when its temperature is lowered and it is compressed, hydrogen turns into liquid form.
• Liquid hydrogen is the fuel used in rockets
• Hydrogen gas has the highest calorific value that is150KJ/Kg.
• It is a powerful rocket propellant, as it has the lowest molecular weight and it burns with extreme intensity.
• It can be stored in large quantities in small spaces because it is very lightweight.
• It provides the highest push per unit of mass compared to any other chemical rocket.
• The product of the combustion of hydrogen with oxygen is only water, so it is pollution-free.