Why was hydrogen given a separate position in periodic table

1.	Why was hydrogen given a separate position in periodic table
Answer» Hydrogen shows some similarity with both alkali metals and halogens, it differs from them on some grounds. Unlike alkali metals, hydrogen does not possess metallic characteristics. On the other hand, it possesses a high ionization enthalpy. Also, it is less reactive than halogens.Owing to these reasons, hydrogen cannot be placed with alkali metals (group I) or with halogens (group VII). In addition, it was also established that H+\xa0ions cannot exist freely as they are extremely small. H+\xa0ions are always associated with other atoms or molecules. Hence, hydrogen is best placed separately in the periodic table.

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