Question

State the position of hydrogen in the periodic table.

Answer 1

To solve this question, we must first understand the basic traits of the Periodic table and some basic properties about the Hydrogen atom. Then we need to assess these concepts in such a way that we can easily draw out a clear conclusion about the position of Hydrogen in the periodic table and then only we can conclude the correct answer.

Complete answer:
Step1: Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table as its atomic number is one, which means it has only one electron in its atom and thus only one electron is present in its outermost shell. The placement of elements in the periodic table is based on their electronic configuration.
Step 2: And this structure is similar to that of alkali metals which have $1$ electron in their outermost shell. It can attain the noble gas configuration of helium, by accepting one electron. This character is very much similar to that of the halogen family which are also short of one electron to complete the octet of electrons in their shells.
Step 3: When hydrogen loses an electron and forms a cation, it resembles alkali metals but when it gains an electron and becomes a uni-negative ion it shows similarity to halogens. Looking at these properties, the position of hydrogen in the periodic table was a big question. Though hydrogen shows a lot of resemblance to halogens and alkali metals, it is very different from both.
Since we know that, Hydrogen is the first element of the periodic table. Its atomic number is $1$, with one electron. This electron is present in its first shell. Hydrogen resembles both alkali metals as well as halogens therefore its position is said to be anomalous.

Note: Hydrogen is most often classified as a non-metal, as it has many of the non-metal properties. This is a gas at room temperature, for example. However, in group 1, hydrogen shares properties with the alkaline metals. Hydrogen conducts electricity in liquid form just like a metal does.