Converters & Calculators
Oxygen: Element Properties And Uses
Description
Oxygen is a necessary element in the Earth's atmosphere. It supports biological processes and is used in various industrial applications. The gas is commonly employed in medicine, manufacturing and chemical processing.
Introduction to the Element
Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It belongs to the chalcogens group in the periodic table and is indispensable for the respiration of most living organisms. It constitutes approximately 21% of the Earth's atmosphere and is involved in numerous biological and chemical processes.
It was discovered in the late 18th century by the scientists Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley. Oxygen is highly reactive and forms compounds with most elements. It is an important component of water (H2O) and many minerals, and is utilised in various industries for processes such as combustion, sterilisation and steel production.
Description of Chemical Properties
Oxygen is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is required for combustion and respiration. It readily forms compounds, including oxides, with a wide range of elements. Some important chemical properties are:
- Reactivity: Oxygen reacts with many metals to form oxides, for example iron oxide (rust).
- Oxidising Agent: It functions as an oxidising agent and is involved in processes such as combustion and respiration.
- Ozone Formation: In the upper atmosphere, oxygen forms ozone (O3), thereby protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
- Acidic Oxides: Oxygen can form acidic oxides such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which dissolve in water to produce acids.
Table of Physical Properties
|
Property |
Value |
|
Molecular Weight |
32.00 g/mol |
|
Density |
1.429 g/L (0°C, 1 atm) |
|
Melting Point |
-218.79°C |
|
Boiling Point |
-183.00°C |
|
Appearance |
Colourless, odourless, tasteless |
|
State at Room Temperature |
Gas |
|
Solubility |
0.0031 g/L (25°C) |
For further information, please visit Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM).
Common Applications
Oxygen is used in many areas, including:
- Respiration: Necessary for the survival of most organisms.
- Medical Use: It is administered in hospitals for patients with breathing difficulties, often through oxygen therapy.
- Industrial Applications: It is employed in steel production, welding and metal cutting.
- Aerospace: Used to maintain life support in space exploration.
- Water Treatment: Used in wastewater treatment to increase the oxygen level for bacterial decomposition.
Preparation Methods
Oxygen can be produced by various methods:
- Fractional Distillation of Air: Liquid air is warmed, thereby separating oxygen and nitrogen given that their boiling points differ.
- Electrolysis of Water: By passing an electric current through water, oxygen and hydrogen are produced.
- Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate: Heating potassium chlorate (KClO3) in the presence of a catalyst produces oxygen gas.
Related Industry Products
Oxygen is utilised in numerous industrial products, including:
- Oxygen Cylinders: For both medical and industrial uses.
- Ozone Generators: For air and water disinfection.
- Welding Torches: For cutting and welding metals.
- Oxygen Concentrators: Employed in healthcare for the continuous supply of oxygen to patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does oxygen play in respiration?
Oxygen is required for the process of cellular respiration, in which it facilitates the conversion of glucose into energy in the form of ATP.
How is oxygen used in the medical field?
Oxygen is used in hospitals for oxygen therapy, particularly for patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma or pneumonia.
Why is oxygen important in industrial applications?
In industry, oxygen is used for combustion processes, for example in steel production, and in procedures such as welding and metal cutting.
How is oxygen produced in nature?
In nature, oxygen is produced by plants and algae through photosynthesis, whereby carbon dioxide and water are converted into oxygen and glucose using sunlight.
Can oxygen be hazardous?
Although oxygen is necessary for life, it can be hazardous at high concentrations and may cause oxygen toxicity, which can affect the lungs and the central nervous system.
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