The definition of oxygen, the nature of the form function and its benefits
Oxygen is one of the most important elements that supports life on Earth. This element has a vital role in life processes, including breathing, burning fuel, and supporting the function of organs. In this article, we will explain the meaning of oxygen, its properties, functions, formation, and benefits for living things.
Definition of Oxygen
Oxygen is a chemical element that has the symbol “O” in the periodic table and atomic number 8. In nature, oxygen is found in the form of the molecular O2, which is made up of two oxygen atoms tightly bonded together. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless and highly reactive gas.
Oxygen in its natural form on Earth is found in the form of diatomic gas (O2), which consists of two oxygen atoms tightly bonded together. It is the most common form of oxygen that supports life on our planet.
Oxygen Forms
Ozone (O3)
Ozone is a form of oxygen consisting of three oxygen atoms bonded together. Ozone is formed when oxygen molecules (O2) are exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, resulting in bond breaking and oxygen atoms can bond with other oxygen molecules to form ozone. The ozone layer in Earth’s atmosphere plays an important role in absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Dissolved Oxygen (O2(aq))
Oxygen is soluble in water, especially in marine or fresh water environments. Dissolved oxygen plays an important role in supporting aquatic life, because aquatic organisms such as fish and microorganisms need oxygen to breathe underwater.
Oxide
Oxygen can react with various elements to form oxide compounds. For example, oxygen reacts with iron to form ferrous oxide (Fe2O3), which is known as rust.
Organic Compounds
Oxygen can also bond with elemental carbon to form organic compounds essential to life, such as glucose and proteins.
Liquid Oxygen (O2(l))
Oxygen can be condensed and removed by cooling to its very low boiling point (-183°C). In liquid form, oxygen is used in industry and medicine as an oxygen supplement for respiration.
These forms reflect the highly reactive nature of oxygen and its ability to form various chemical compounds that play a role in various physical and biological processes on Earth.
Properties of Oxygen
Oxygen has several properties that are important to understand:
Gas Diatomic
Oxygen is made up of two atoms that make up the O2 molecule. This form allows oxygen to be easily inhaled by organisms that need it, such as humans and animals.
reactive
Oxygen is very reactive, especially when involved in the combustion process. This reactivity allows oxygen to be used in many chemical processes that are essential to life.
Specific Gravity is Heavier than Air
Oxygen has a greater specific gravity than air, allowing it to collect in low-lying environments such as valleys, which helps land living things to breathe.
Oxygen function
Oxygen has a crucial function in life:
Respiration
Living things, including humans, animals and plants, need oxygen to carry out respiration. Respiration is a process in which oxygen is used to burn food substances in cells to produce the energy needed to carry out daily activities.
Combustion
Oxygen also plays a role in the combustion process. When fuels such as wood, oil, or gasoline burn, oxygen reacts with the fuel and produces heat and energy.
Formation of Oxygen
Oxygen is produced by two main processes:
Photosynthesis
In the process of photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). This process is very important because it produces oxygen that is used by other living things.
Artificial Creation
Oxygen can also be produced through industrial processes, such as the electrolysis of water, in which electricity is used to separate water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen.
Benefits of Oxygen
Oxygen has countless benefits for living things and the environment:
Breathing
Oxygen is the main component in the breathing process of living things. Organisms inhale oxygen and give off carbon dioxide as a result of respiration.
Healing
Oxygen has an important role in the wound healing process. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to speed wound healing and treat certain medical conditions.
Energy Provider
Through the process of respiration, oxygen helps produce the energy needed by the body to carry out various daily activities.
Waste treatment
Oxygen is used in wastewater treatment to degrade organic pollutants and produce clean, safe water.
Agriculture
Oxygen supports the growth of plants and microorganisms in soil, which are an important part of the life cycle.
Oxygen is an essential element that supports life on Earth. In addition to its role in respiration and combustion, oxygen also has a crucial role in photosynthesis, the process that produces energy for life. Its countless benefits include breathing, healing, providing energy, treating waste, and supporting agriculture. The abundant presence of oxygen provides vital energy for the life and health of humans, animals and all ecosystems on our planet.
2023-08-01 14:56:48
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