hydrogen economy :: essays research papers

The first and foremost element on the periodic chart is well known throughout the world. It makes up the greater portion of the earths atmosphere. It was discovered by Cavendish in seventeen seventy-six. It all started with his discovery which has led to future events. I am referring to the substance we all know as hydrogen. In nineteen thirty-seven, the Germans had used hydrogen in the Hindenburg, which in turn after the disaster has scared many into thinking that hydrogen is a very dangerous substance. However, little radiant heat is emitted when hydrogen burns and will not cause danger to anyone unless they actually touch the fire, which is the reason why so many survived. In nineteen fifty-eight, when NASA was created, hydrogen was chosen to be the fuel for the rocket program. The choice of hydrogen was due to its clean emissions and the abundance of hydrogen on earth. The demand from NASA for hydrogen has inspired the question throughout the world; why not use hydrogen as an al ternative source of energy? As this question has remained in the minds of many, one such question was asked: Why not use hydrogen for the vehicles that we have become so dependent upon for transportation? The two thousand Olympics, which were held in Sydney, allowed the general public to see the advancement and the future potential of the hydrogen car which made a huge exposure throughout the world through mass media. If hydrogen became the number one fuel source for the automobiles of the future, the United States will be able to avoid oil spills, avoid harmful pollutants, and end the dependence on foreign sources for oil. However, many troubles arise in the area of using it as fuel for a car, being able to store it so it is safe for the everyday use and producing enough Hydrogen to make it economically efficient.