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Atomic Profile

Oxygen (O)

Discover properties, shell configurations, industrial applications, compounds, and historical occurrences of the Oxygen element.

8O15.999

Physical Properties

Melting Point-218.79 °C
Boiling Point-182.95 °C
Density1.429 g/L
Electronegativity3.44
Group / PeriodGroup 16, Period 2
Electronic Config[He] 2s² 2p⁴
Bohr Shells2, 6

Bohr Electron Model

Visualizing the concentric Bohr orbits and energy level shells for Oxygen.

+8
Shell 1: 2e⁻ | Shell 2: 6e⁻

Origin & Abundance

Discovery Details

Discovered by Joseph Priestley & Carl Wilhelm Scheele in the year 1774.

Natural Occurrence

Makes up 21% of dry atmospheric air (as O₂). Most abundant element in the Earth's crust (46%), primarily in silicate minerals.

Common Uses & Applications

  • Aerobic respiration in living organisms
  • Steel smelting blast furnaces
  • Rocket fuel oxidizer
  • Medical oxygen therapy cylinders

Common Chemical Compounds

Below are typical molecular compounds formed by Oxygen interacting with other elements:

H₂O (Water)CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide)

Element Concept Check

Which element is the most abundant by mass in the Earth's crust?

Video Lectures & Fact Files

Watch educational lectures detailing the chemical extraction and molecular spectrums of Oxygen.
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