Question

Justify the position of hydrogen in the periodic table?

Answer 1

Hydrogen resembles alkali metals in the following aspects. 

1. Electronic configuration 1s¹ as alkali metals have ns¹ . 

2. Hydrogen forms unipositive H⁺ ion like alkali metals Na⁺, K⁺ . 

3. Hydrogen form halides (HX), oxides (H₂O) peroxide (H₂O₂ ) like alkali metals (NaX. Na₂O, Na₂O₂ ). 

4. Hydrogen also acts as reducing agent like alkali metals. Hydrogen resembles halogens in the following aspects. 

5. Hydrogen has a tendency to gain one electron to form hydride ion (H^- ) as halogens to form halide ion. (X^- ).

6. Comparing the properties of hydrogen with alkali metals and with halogens, we can conclude that hydrogen resembles more alkali metals. In most of the compounds hydrogen exist in +1 oxidation state.

7. Therefore, it is reasonable to place the hydrogen in group 1 along with alkali metals as shown in the latest periodic table published by IUPAC.