When did hydrogen combine with oxygen

In summary, the conversation discusses the origins of water on Earth and the debate surrounding whether it was present during the formation of the planet or delivered by comets and asteroids. It also explores the possibility of water being produced through biological processes. Additionally, there is mention of experimental results and publications that support these theories.
  • #1
wolram
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This maybe a silly question but I do not know the answer.
Did hydrogen combine with oxygen to form water in geological times or did they combine before that
 
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  • #2
If at all, it is rather that hydrogen separated from oxygen rather than combining. Water was already omnipresent when the Earth formed. However, the UV light from the sun constantly splits up water into hydrogen and oxygen. As hydrogen is lighter, more and more of it dissapears into space. Hence our Earth is slowly oxidized.
 
  • #3
DrDu said:
Hence our Earth is slowly oxidized
Can you explain that concept more thoroughly please..
Are you referring to a redox chemical reaction?
 
  • #4
wolram said:
This maybe a silly question but I do not know the answer.
Did hydrogen combine with oxygen to form water in geological times or did they combine before that
Hardly silly.
There is still a debate of whether or not comets/asteroids delivered the water to the earth, or if it was already present. Then again, isotope comparisons between the two, ( Earth's water and that of extraterrestrial ) do not compare, suggesting that the comet theory is not viable.

Although not a verifiable site, ( I will have to see if there is one ), this comment is worthy of discussion.
Throughout its history, Earth's water has increased in volume due to biological processes. In the early seas of Earth, hydrogen sulfide would have been in great supply, which, when reacted with carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis in sulfide-reducing bacteria, would have produced hydrogen, sulfur, and water. Many geologists believe that the majority of Earth's water generated through this process.
http://www.wisegeek.com/where-did-the-Earth's-water-come-from.htm
 
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  • #6
256bits said:
The publication being referred to is:
Z. Futera et al., Formation and properties of water from quartz and hydrogen at high pressure and temperature, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 461 (2017) 54–60

The above numerical work follows from experimental results:
A. Shinozaki et al., Formation of SiH4 and H2O by the dissolution of quartz in H2 fluid under high pressure and temperature, Am. Mineral., 99 (2014), 1265-1269
 
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  • #7
Thank you for the replies, I now have a better understanding of the subject.
 
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Related to When did hydrogen combine with oxygen

1. When did hydrogen combine with oxygen?

The combination of hydrogen and oxygen is thought to have occurred approximately 2.5 billion years ago during the Great Oxidation Event, when oxygen began to accumulate in Earth's atmosphere.

2. How does hydrogen combine with oxygen?

Hydrogen combines with oxygen through a process called oxidation, in which oxygen atoms bond with hydrogen atoms to form water molecules. This process is essential for life on Earth and is also used in energy production and many other chemical reactions.

3. What is the chemical equation for the combination of hydrogen and oxygen?

The chemical equation for the combination of hydrogen and oxygen is 2H2 + O2 → 2H2O, which represents the formation of two water molecules from two hydrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule.

4. Why is the combination of hydrogen and oxygen important?

The combination of hydrogen and oxygen is important because it produces water, which is essential for life on Earth. It also plays a crucial role in energy production and various chemical reactions, making it a vital component of many industrial processes.

5. Is the combination of hydrogen and oxygen a chemical or physical change?

The combination of hydrogen and oxygen is a chemical change, as it involves the formation of new substances with different properties. In this case, two gases (hydrogen and oxygen) combine to form a liquid (water), which is a distinct chemical compound with unique characteristics.

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