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Introduction
Oxygen is a colourless and odourless reactive gas that is of supreme importance to ensure life on earth. The symbol ‘ O’ represents it with the atomic number ‘8’ and the group name ‘Chalcogen.’ This non-metallic chemical element is vital for respiration, breathing, and transforming food into energy to carry out daily activities. You know now what oxygen is, but you will be surprised to learn that 50-80% of oxygen production comes from the ocean on earth, according to the estimation made by the scientists. You will further know the Methods of Preparation of Oxygen. The chemical formula of oxygen is o=o, also known as dioxygen.
How Is Oxygen Prepared?
One of the most common Methods of Preparation of Oxygen is done with the help of hydrogen peroxide.
The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, as a result, forms water and oxygen gas. Though the reaction of H2O2 is slow, it composes on its own.
Hydrogen peroxide======water + oxygen
The chemical equation of the Methods of Preparation of Oxygen:
2H2O2(aq)→ 2H2O(l)+O2(g)
The decomposition can be increased by using a catalyst, i.e., manganese (IV) oxide. To perform this, manganese (IV) oxide is added to hydrogen peroxide, and as a result, bubbles of the oxygen are given off.
If you are preparing this in the lab, you will be required to have an apparatus. The first step is to pour hydrogen peroxide into any conical flask with manganese oxide residues. After this reaction, you will get a result as the imparted gas is then collected in an upside-down jar filled with water.
The water is then pushed out as the oxygen is collected at the gas jar’s top.
The reasons for collecting oxygen include being as heavy as air and slightly soluble in water.
This is only one of the Methods of Preparation of Oxygen; there are also various other methods, like electrolysis of water, chemical method, etc.
Properties Of Oxygen
Oxygen has both physical and chemical properties.
Physical Properties
- Oxygen is considered to be a colourless, tasteless, and odourless gas.
- Low conductivity of heat and electricity.
- It readily gets dissolved in water.
- It is slightly heavier than air.
- It is slightly soluble in water.
- Oxygen is neutral as oxygen does not affect litmus.
- It occurs as a gas when at room temperature.
Chemical Properties
- Oxygen is considered to be a good supporter of combustion.
- On the other hand, oxygen supports combustion but is not combustible.
- It forms basic metal oxides when reacted with most of the metals. Example:CaO,Na2O
- It reacts with non-metals to form acidic non-metal oxides, except for water
Example:carbon (II) oxide, which is neutral.
Uses Of Oxygen
- Oxygen is vital to carry out the function of respiration. The oxygen inhaled by an organism breaks the glucose molecules. This is done to produce energy to perform daily activities.
- It helps burn fuel by using pure oxygen, a mixture of oxygen. The process is known as oxy-fuel combustion. Oxy-fuel allows the higher flame temperatures.
- It is widely used in the industries as it is used with fuel gases for gas cutting, gas welding, flame hardening, oxygen scarfing, flame cleaning, flame straightening, etc. It is used to enrich air and thus increase combustion efficiency.
- Oxygen is also needed for surgical patients for medical purposes.
- Oxygen tanks are of great use for mountaineers at high altitudes.
- It is used in water treatment. It is carried out by aeration, used to dissolve air into water.
- Oxygen is also used as a sterilising agent to kill anaerobic bacteria.
Oxygen measures 21% in the earth’s atmosphere. Nowadays, oxygen therapy is introduced for acute illness, severe anaemia, breathing inadequacy, acute hypertension, and CO poisoning.
Conclusion
In short, oxygen is the main element in almost all terms. The Methods of Preparation of Oxygen, properties, uses all is of utmost importance. It ensures the life of humans and all other living organisms and to carry out different activities in various fields. H2O without oxygen is wastewater which tells that it is essential for everything. Nowadays, people ignore the significance of oxygen and cut trees for commercial purposes. Still, as a responsible human being, you should encourage others to plant trees and walk on the path of afforestation.
