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Definition of the Oxygen Element
A colorless tasteless
odourless gaseous element that constitutes 21 percent of the
atmosphere and is found in water, in most rocks and minerals, and
in numerous organic compounds, that is capable of combining with
all elements except the inert gases, that is active in
physiological processes, and that is involved especially in
combustion processes.
Origin / Meaning of the name Oxygen
The name originates
from the Greek words gennan meaning
'generate' and oxus meaning 'acid' - so named because it was
believed that all acids contained oxygen.
Classification of the Oxygen Element
Oxygen is classified
as an element in the 'Non-metals' section which can be located in
groups 14,15 and 16 of the Periodic Table. Non-metals are not
easily able to conduct electricity or heat and do not reflect
light . Non-metallic elements are very brittle, and cannot be
rolled into wires or pounded into sheets. Non-metallic elements
exist, at room temperature, in two of the three states of matter :
gases (such as oxygen) and solids (such as carbon).
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Oxygen
Element
Oxygen was discovered by
Carl Wilhelm Scheele
in Sweden in 1771 and then by Joseph Priestley in 1774. It
was named by Antoine Laurent Lavoisier in 1774.
Occurrence the Oxygen Element
Constitutes 21 percent of
the atmosphere
Found in water, in most rocks and minerals, and in numerous
organic compounds
Oxygen comprises about 87% by weight of the oceans as H2O
- water
Associated Uses of Oxygen
Oxidizer
Rocket propulsion
Medicine
Welding
Oxygen sensors
Oxygen mask
Oxygen concentrator
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