
Is Hydrogen gas flammable?
Answer
425.7k+ views
Hint: Let us first clear the fact that diatomic hydrogen represented by (diatomic hydrogen gas) is highly flammable and we are not talking about elemental hydrogen. Hydrogen gas contains a covalent bond between the two Hydrogen atoms. When the conditions are just right hydrogen can become highly flammable. These conditions can be due to presence of oxygen in air or other substances to which hydrogen can react such as chlorine, oxygen, or other oxidizers
Complete answer:
Let us look at the flammability scale for reference,
Chemical substances are rated from 0-4 on the basis of their flammability and reactivity by the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) RATING SYSTEM.
Hydrogen gas is rated 4 for the flammability in this scale meaning that it is a material that completely vaporizes at normal pressure and temperature and burns readily.
Even at low concentrations such as 4 percent up to 75 percent hydrogen gas can catch on fire.
We know that Hydrogen gas exists as a diatomic molecular gas ( ). But when Hydrogen is mixed with oxygen (an oxidizer) and a small spark provides the energy, Hydrogen will get sufficient energy to break the covalent bond and react with the oxygen. Due to this highly reactive rate of hydrogen it will suddenly catch on fire even if a small amount of energy is given to it.
Note:
There is a difference between Combustion and flammability.
A combustible material is something that can combust (burn) in air. Flammable materials are combustible materials that ignite easily at ambient temperatures.
Flammable materials will catch on fire even at low temperatures (below ) whereas combustible materials will ignite at a much higher temperature.
Complete answer:
Let us look at the flammability scale for reference,
Chemical substances are rated from 0-4 on the basis of their flammability and reactivity by the NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) RATING SYSTEM.
Hydrogen gas is rated 4 for the flammability in this scale meaning that it is a material that completely vaporizes at normal pressure and temperature and burns readily.
Even at low concentrations such as 4 percent up to 75 percent hydrogen gas can catch on fire.
We know that Hydrogen gas exists as a diatomic molecular gas (
Note:
There is a difference between Combustion and flammability.
A combustible material is something that can combust (burn) in air. Flammable materials are combustible materials that ignite easily at ambient temperatures.
Flammable materials will catch on fire even at low temperatures (below
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹37,300 per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Social Science: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 11 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Class 11 Question and Answer - Your Ultimate Solutions Guide

Trending doubts
Explain why it is said like that Mock drill is use class 11 social science CBSE

The non protein part of an enzyme is a A Prosthetic class 11 biology CBSE

Which of the following blood vessels in the circulatory class 11 biology CBSE

What is a zygomorphic flower Give example class 11 biology CBSE

1 ton equals to A 100 kg B 1000 kg C 10 kg D 10000 class 11 physics CBSE

The deoxygenated blood from the hind limbs of the frog class 11 biology CBSE
