Template talk:Periodic

Hydrogen

Is Hydrogen considered an Alkali Metal?--David Yamakuchi 15:14, 7 April 2008 (CDT)

A good question! I'm on the road without references, but... I do recall that in certain phases (e.g. solid) it does have some metallic properties. However, it doesn't have other properties typical of alkali metals (such as violently reacting with water). I will let a chemistry expert take this one on, though! J. Noel Chiappa 16:38, 7 April 2008 (CDT)

In chemistry books that use color to denote metals, metalloids and non-metals, hydrogen is colored as a non-metal, which it is. Thus, it is grouped with C,N,O,F,P,S,Cl, etc. I don't know what you want to do with your new elemental box, but you have two choices, add it to the non-metals for hi-lighting or do not group it with anything. David E. Volk 08:24, 8 April 2008 (CDT)

I would say not group it with anything. It's a bit of an odd duck, chemistry-wise. I mean, with metals it forms hydrides, with many of the elements you name it also forms compounds (in some cases as an electron donor, in others as a receiver), etc. J. Noel Chiappa 08:39, 8 April 2008 (CDT)

For what it's worth, our current Periodic Table shows it in both alkali metals and halogens (because it has some aspects of both). So I think "none" is the way to go. J. Noel Chiappa 08:48, 8 April 2008 (CDT)

I have also seen it listed above both the alkali metals and the halogens on many a table for the reason you stated, it is an odd duck. David E. Volk 08:57, 8 April 2008 (CDT)