|
What are
the Properties of Oxygen? Definition of Oxygen
What is the definition of
Oxygen? It is
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. It is
capable of combining with all elements except the inert gases and is involved
especially in combustion processes. The
Physical and
Chemical Properties are the
characteristics of a substance, like Oxygen, which distinguishes it from any
other substance. Most common substances, like Oxygen, exist as
States of Matter as solids, liquids, gases and plasma. Refer to the article on
Oxygen for additional information and facts about this substance.
Oxygen Properties
- What are the Physical Properties of Oxygen?
What are the Physical
Properties of Oxygen? The Physical properties of Oxygen are the characteristics
that can be observed without changing the substance into another
substance. Physical properties are usually those that can be observed using our
senses such as color, luster, freezing point, boiling point, melting point, density, hardness and odor. The Physical Properties of Oxygen are as follows:
|
What are the Physical Properties of Oxygen? |
| Color |
Colorless |
| Phase |
Gas
Oxygen changes from a gas to a liquid at a temperature of -182.96°C
(-297.33°F) when it takes on a slightly bluish color
Liquid oxygen can then be solidified or frozen at a temperature of
-218.4°C |
|
*Allotropic |
There are several known
allotropes including molecular oxygen O2 (aka normal atmospheric
oxygen, dioxygen or triplet oxygen) and ozone (O3)
Ozone is a colorless gas |
| Odor |
Oxygen is an odorless gas |
| Taste |
A tasteless gas |
|
Conductivity |
A poor conductor of heat
and electricity |
|
Solubility |
Slightly soluble in water,
alcohol and some other common liquids |
|
Density |
It is denser than air. The density of oxygen is
1.429 grams per liter |
|
Viscosity |
Resistance to flow - stickiness. The
viscosity is 189 millipoises (at 0°C). |
*Allotropic - Allotropes are
forms of an element with different physical and chemical properties
occurring in two or more crystalline forms in the same physical state.
Oxygen Properties - What are the Chemical Properties of Oxygen?
What are the Chemical
Properties of Oxygen? They are the characteristics that
determine how it will react with other substances or change from
one substance to another. The better we know the nature of the substance the
better we are able to understand it. Chemical properties are only observable during a
chemical reaction. Reactions to substances may be brought
about by changes brought about by burning, rusting, heating, exploding, tarnishing
etc. The Chemical
Properties of Oxygen are as follows:
|
What are the Chemical Properties of Oxygen? |
| Chemical
Formula |
O
Oxygen gas (O2)
Ozone (O3) |
|
Flammability |
Does not burn |
| Combustion |
Supports combustion but
does not burn |
| Compounds |
Occurs in many compounds,
including water, carbon dioxide, and iron ore |
| Oxidation |
The common reaction in
which it unites with another substance is called oxidation
Oxides of some metals form peroxides by the addition of oxygen |
|
Ozone Properties
- What are the Chemical Properties of Ozone? |
| Ozone |
Ozone soluble in alkalis and cold water |
|
Oxidation |
A
strong oxidizing agent |
|
Reactivity |
Can
be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of
ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts
as a screen for ultraviolet radiation) |
Facts and
Info about Oxygen Properties
This article
on Oxygen properties provide facts and information about the
physical and chemical properties of Oxygen which are useful as
homework help for chemistry students. Additional facts and
information regarding the Periodic Table and the elements may be
accessed via the Periodic Table Site Map. |
