Oxygen (O)

Oxygen is a highly reactive nonmetal and oxidizing agent indispensable for life.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Carl Wilhelm Scheele prepared oxygen by 1772 and Joseph Priestley independently in 1774, but Lavoisier named it and explained its role in combustion.
• It is the most abundant element in Earth's crust at about 46% by mass, and liquid oxygen is pale blue and paramagnetic, sticking to magnets.
• Steelmaking's basic oxygen process is the largest industrial consumer, while purified oxygen supports hospital patients and oxidizes fuel in rockets.

Specifications & Metrics

• NUM: 8
• SYMBOL: O
• CATEGORY: Reactive Nonmetal