8- Oxygen: For combustion Atomic Number: 8 Atomic Symbol: O Atomic Weight: 15.9994 Electron Configuration: [He]2s2 2p4 Sources: Oxygen is the third most abundant element found in the sun, and it plays a part in the carbon-nitrogen cycle, the process once thought to give the sun and stars their energy. Oxygen under excited conditions is responsible for the bright red and yellow-green colors of the Aurora. A gaseous element, oxygen forms 21% of the atmosphere by volume and is obtained by liquefaction and fractional distillation. The atmosphere of Mars contains about 0.15% oxygen. The element and its compounds make up 49.2%, by weight, of the earths crust. About two thirds of the human body and nine tenths of water is oxygen. Properties: The gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The liquid and solid forms are a pale blue color and are strongly paramagnetic. Uses: Plants and animals rely on oxygen for respiration. Hospitals frequently prescribe oxygen for patients with respiratory ailments. Costs: The gas costs 5 cents / ft3 in small quantities, and about $15/ton in large quantities.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 10:36:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015