Oxygen Element: Properties, Applications, and Its Crucial Role in Our World
Oxygen is a chemical element that is essential for the survival of most living organisms. It is the third most abundant element in the universe and the most abundant element on earth. In this article we will explore the properties of oxygen and its real life uses/applications.
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| properties and real life applications of oxygen |
Properties of Oxygen:
Chemical Symbol: O
Atomic Number: 8
Atomic Mass: 15.99
Electron Configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p4
Melting Point: -218.4°C
Boiling Point: -183°C
Density: 1.429 g/L
Oxygen has an atomic number of 8, which means it has eight protons and eight electrons. It is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that makes up about 21% of the earth's atmosphere. Oxygen is also highly reactive and can form compounds with almost all other elements.
Real-Life Uses of Oxygen:
Respiration: Oxygen is essential for the process of respiration in living organisms including humans. It is used by cells to produce energy through the process of cellular respiration which involves the breakdown of glucose and other organic compounds.
Combustion: Oxygen is essential for combustion. It is the process of burning fuels to produce energy. When the fuels such as gasoline or natural gas are burned in the presence of oxygen, they release energy in the form of heat and light.
Ozone Production: Oxygen is used to produce ozone which is a highly reactive gas that is used to purify water and air. Ozone is also used to sterilize medical equipments and to disinfect water and wastewater.
Welding and Cutting: Oxygen is used in welding and cutting applications to fuel torches to provide a source of heat for the process. When oxygen is combined with acetylene or other gases it can reach temperatures of over 3000°C which is hot enough to melt steel.
Medical Applications: Oxygen is used in medical applications to provide supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory problems. It is also used in hyperbaric chambers to treat conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness.
Rocket Propulsion: Oxygen is used as an oxidizer in rocket propulsion systems to combine with fuel and produce thrust. This process is used in both liquid and solid rocket engines.
In conclusion, oxygen is a highly versatile element with a wide range of real-life uses across various industries. From respiration to combustion, ozone production to welding, medical applications to rocket propulsion, oxygen plays a vital role in modern technology and everyday life. Despite its usefulness, excessive use of oxygen in combustion processes can lead to air pollution and other environmental problems. As such it is important to use oxygen based products in a responsible and sustainable manner.
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