Oxygen
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Oxygen (O) exists as a colourless, odourless gas in the earth’s atmosphere. Comprising 21% of the earth atmosphere it is vital for life on earth. It has the atomic number 8 in the periodic table and belongs in Group 16. It is a non metal with the symbol O.
Oxygen makes up 21% of the atmosphere and is vital to life on earth. It is the most abundant element on Earth and fifth most abundant in the universe. The presence of Oxygen is due to the process of photosynthesis from plants. This is an important process as most living organisms on earth rely on Oxygen for respiration and the creation of energy in living cells. In commercial uses Oxygen is used in hospitals and by divers and has industrial uses such as welding and oxidation of metals. Oxygen also exists as the allotrope Ozone that has the formula O3. Ozone is in the upper atmosphere and is responsible for protecting the earth from harmful UV rays. It is located in Group 16. It is a non metal gas at room temperature and it has a melting point of -218°c and a boiling point of -183°c. Oxygen was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish pharmacist producing it from Mercuric oxide using Nitrates.
FAQ's
Joseph Priestly, Carl Wilhelm Scheele
1774
Uses
Used in steel making, welding, and supporting life. Naturally occuring ozone (O3) in the upper atmosphere shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation.
Sources
Obtained primarily from liquid air by fractional distillation. Small amounts are made in the laboratory by electrolysis of water or heating potassium chlorate (KClO3) with manganese dioxide (MnO2) catalyst.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
O
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