Name:
Oxygen
Symbol:
O
Atomic Number:
8
Atomic Mass:
15.9994
Atomic Volume:
10.89 cc/mol
Discovered By:
First isolated by Priestley in 1774
Discovery Date:
1774
Origin of Name:
Oxygen - (Greek) oxys (sharp, acid) genes (forming)
Toxicity:
Not toxic. Excess oxygen under pressure leads to inflammatory process in the organism.
Summary:
Oxygen gas (O
2
) makes up 21% of the atmosphere by volume. Oxygen does not burn, but is necessary to support combustion. Higher concentrations of O
2
will cause faster and hotter combustion. This is the basis of the oxy-acetylene torch used for welding. Oxygen is essential for respiration of all plants and animals. Ozone (O
3
) is another elemental form of oxygen. It is formed when O
2
is subjected to ultraviolet light or electric discharge. Its presence in the stratosphere is essential for absorbing UV light and preventing its reaching earth's surface.
back to school supplies @ Office Depot
Search for Low Cost New and Used College Textbooks: Buy or Sell!
© Copyright 1998 David August