Although it will burn, yielding a feeble bluish light, it will, if pure, extinguish a flame that may be immersed in it. Hydrogen will therefore burn, but will not support combustion.
52. Why will hydrogen explode, if it will not support combustion?
When hydrogen explodes it is always in combination with oxygen, or with the common air, which contains oxygen. Two measures of hydrogen and one of oxygen form a most explosive compound.
"As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God."—Psalm xlvi.
53. Why does hydrogen explode, when mixed with oxygen, upon being brought in contact with fire?
Because of its strong affinity for oxygen, with which, upon the application of heat, it unites to form water.
54. Where does hydrogen chiefly exist?
In the form of water, where it exists in combination with oxygen. Eleven parts of hydrogen, and eighty-nine of oxygen, form water.