Final answer:
Hydrogen is a nonmetal with relatively low electronegativity, which endows it with unique chemical properties and various oxidation states that differ from typical alkali metals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydrogen is considered to be a nonmetal of relatively low electronegativity. This is due to its unique chemical properties, which often align with nonmetals. Though it sits in group 1 of the periodic table, hydrogen does not share all the characteristics typical of alkali metals.
Elements known for high electronegativity tend to have very negative electron affinities and gain electrons in reactions, acting as oxidants. Conversely, elements with low electronegativity, like most metals, lose their electrons in reactions and serve as reductants.
Hydrogen, with its single orbital for bonding, forms various compounds depending on its reactivity with other elements, with its most typical oxidation states being 1- when less electronegative than its bonding pair, or 1+ when more electronegative. Nonmetals have higher electronegativity values compared to hydrogen, indicating their greater ability to attract electrons.