Question

Although the earth was formed from the same interstellar material as the sun, there is little hydrogen in the earth's atmosphere. How can you explain this?

Short answer

Although the earth was formed from the same interstellar material as the sun, there is little hydrogen in the earth's atmosphere because as hydrogen is the lightest element, the gravity of the earth is incapable of holding hydrogen gas in the atmosphere.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of hydrogen

Water is created when oxygen and the odorless, colorless gas hydrogen mix. It is symbolized by the symbol and is the lightest known element.

Explanation for Earth having little hydrogen in the atmosphere

• There is only a small amount of hydrogen gas in the Earth's atmosphere, it makes up less than one part per million.
• This is because hydrogen gas is so light, most of it escaped from the lower atmosphere early in the Earth's history.
• The gravity of the earth is not strong enough to keep in the atmosphere.

Therefore, the gravity of the earth is not strong enough to hold hydrogen.