Beyond Atomic Numbers - Every Element Has a Story
15.999
16
2
P Block
Non-metal
Oxygen was discovered independently by Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley during the 1770s. Antoine Lavoisier later named the element and explained its role in combustion.
Oxygen makes up about 21% of Earth's atmosphere. It is also present in water, rocks, minerals and almost all living organisms.
Group 16 | Period 2 | P Block | Non-metal
Oxygen is used in medicine, steel manufacturing, welding, water treatment, aviation systems and space exploration.
Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen and Silicon
Highly reactive metals and combustible materials under suitable conditions.
Electronic Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁴
Oxygen supports respiration and combustion. It is essential for the survival of most complex life forms.
Nearly half of Earth's crust by mass consists of oxygen combined with other elements in minerals and rocks.
Most animals and humans use oxygen during cellular respiration to release energy from food. Without oxygen, advanced life on Earth would not exist in its current form.
Oceanic phytoplankton and marine plants produce a significant portion of the oxygen present in Earth's atmosphere through photosynthesis.
Scientists study oxygen production in plants, oxygen-rich materials for energy storage, life-support systems for spacecraft and oxygen generation technologies for future Mars missions.
Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe after hydrogen and helium. It is produced inside massive stars and distributed through supernova explosions.