Properties of Hydrogen (H2)

Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant chemical element in the universe. It is represented by the symbol “H” on the periodic table and has an atomic number of 1. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas in its natural state.

The following table provides a comprehensive list of hydrogen properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Hydrogen Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Molar Mass2.016 g/mol
Density (0°C)0.0899 kg/m3
Dynamic Viscosity (25°C)8.9 µPa·s
Speed of Sound in Gas (27°C)1320 m/s
Thermal PropertiesMetric
Melting Point-259.2 °C
Boiling Point-252.9 °C
Thermal Conductivity (25°C)0.186 W/m·K
Specific Heat Capacity (Cp)14305 J/kg·K
Critical ConstantsMetric
Critical Temperature (Tc)-239.95 °C
Critical Pressure (Pc)1.298 MPa
Critical Density (ρc)30 kg/m3
Electrical PropertiesMetric
Relative Permittivity (εr)1.000264
Optical PropertiesMetric
Refractive Index (589 nm)1.000138
Hazardous DataMetric
Autoignition Temperature560 °C
Lower Flammability Limit4%
Upper Flammability Limit75%
NFPA Rating (Health)0
NFPA Rating (Fire)4
NFPA Rating (Reactivity)0

Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.