Hydrogen is the lightest element. It has the atomic number with 1 and, in standard conditions, is a diatomic gas. It has no colour, odour or taste, and is highly combustible and non-toxic.
- Forms a H⁺ ion
- Hydrogen ions are protons
- The more H⁺ ions, the more acidic the solution (lower pH)
- Enzymes will become denatured at low/high pH
- Mitochondria accumulate H⁺ in the intermembrane space to allow aerobic respiration to take place.