Hydrogen (H): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Hydrogen (H): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration 1s1 · group 1 · period 1 · Ar 1.008
Hydrogen data
- Atomic number
- 1
- Relative atomic mass
- 1.008
- Group
- 1
- Period
- 1
- Block
- s
- Category
- Nonmetal
- Electron configuration
- 1s1
- Full configuration
- 1s1
- Electrons per shell
- 1 (K)
- Valence electrons
- 1
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.2
- First ionisation energy
- 13.598 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 120 pm
- State at room temperature
- Gas
- Melting point
- −259 °C
- Boiling point
- −253 °C
- Density
- 0.08988 g/L (0 °C, 1 atm)
- Common oxidation states
- +1, −1
- Discovered
- 1766
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 1
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About hydrogen
With atomic number 1, hydrogen (H) has 1 protons in its nucleus and 1 electrons as a neutral atom. It is a nonmetal in group 1, period 1, s-block. The element was discovered in 1766. At room temperature hydrogen is a gas that is lighter than air (0.08988 g/L) and liquefies at −253 °C.
Hydrogen electron configuration
The electron configuration of hydrogen is 1s1. Its electrons occupy 1 shell: K = 1. Hydrogen has 1 valence electron in the K shell (1s1), which is why it sits in group 1.
Filling order: 1s1(1)
Uses of hydrogen
In industry and the laboratory, hydrogen turns up in many places, for example making ammonia and methanol, hydrogenating vegetable oils into margarine, and as fuel for fuel cells and rockets. For research and analysis you can browse hydrogen compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Hydrogen is extremely flammable and forms explosive mixtures with air, so cylinders need good ventilation and no ignition sources nearby. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 1
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of hydrogen?
The electron configuration of hydrogen (H, atomic number 1) is 1s1. By shell: 1.
How many valence electrons does hydrogen have?
Hydrogen has 1 valence electron.
Which group and period is hydrogen in?
Hydrogen is in group 1, period 1, s-block.
What is the atomic mass of hydrogen?
The relative atomic mass of hydrogen is 1.008. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
Need hydrogen compounds for your lab?
AMI Scientific is one of the official TCI distributors in Indonesia. Reagents with lot CoA & SDS, formal quotations and tax invoices for universities and laboratories.
Other formulas & calculators: molarity, mole, molality, normality, dilution, titration, pH, buffer, molar mass, ppm, mole fraction, mass percent, periodic table, chemical MSDS.
