Where is hydrogen placed on the periodic table?
Quick Answer
Hydrogen is usually shown at the top left of the table, above the alkali metals. Its placement is unusual because it behaves unlike most other elements in the same column.
The Full Story
Hydrogen is placed in the top left corner of the periodic table, above group 1 in many standard layouts. Although it has one electron like the alkali metals, hydrogen is chemically unusual and can also resemble halogens in some reactions. It is the lightest element and the most abundant element in the universe. Its unusual behavior is one reason periodic tables sometimes show it floating separately or in both group 1 and group 17 contexts.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why hydrogen doesn’t really fit anywhere on the table"
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