Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring one of the most important elements in the periodic table – oxygen. Oxygen is a vital element that is essential for life on Earth. It makes up about 21% of the air we breathe and is involved in many chemical reactions that occur in our bodies and in the environment. In this overview, we will learn about the properties of oxygen, its role in the atmosphere, and its importance in our daily lives. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of oxygen!
The Periodic Element Oxygen Overview
Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It has an atomic mass of 15.999 u and is located in period 2 and group 16 of the periodic table. Oxygen has 8 protons, 8 electrons, and 8 neutrons. It is a nonmetal and is found in the gas phase at room temperature.Oxygen has an electronegativity of 3.44 and a specific heat capacity of 0.918 J/g·K. Its melting point is -218.79°C and its boiling point is -182.96°C. Oxygen has a density of 1.429 g/L at standard temperature and pressure. Oxygen is essential for life as it is a key component of water and is necessary for respiration in living organisms. It is also used in various industrial processes such as steel production and medical applications.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element oxygen?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of compounds. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine ions, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of solutions. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element oxygen across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element oxygen dangerous or radioactive?
Oxygen is not dangerous or radioactive. It is a non-metallic element that is essential for life and makes up about 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen is highly reactive and can form compounds with almost all other elements, which is why it is often used in combustion reactions. However, oxygen itself is not harmful or radioactive and is actually necessary for the survival of most living organisms. In fact, oxygen is used by our bodies to produce energy through the process of respiration.
Is the periodic element oxygen rare and expensive?
No, oxygen is not rare or expensive. In fact, it is the third most abundant element in the universe and makes up about 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Oxygen is also widely available in the form of water, which covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface. Additionally, oxygen is produced in large quantities through industrial processes such as the electrolysis of water and the fractional distillation of air. Therefore, oxygen is readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!