Oxygen

Reactive gas essential for respiration.

A chemical element with symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a highly reactive, colorless, odorless gas essential for respiration in most living organisms and a key component of water. Oxygen readily forms oxides with many elements.

Pronunciation

/ˈɒksɪdʒən/

Etymology

Oxygen was named by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1775, derived from Greek words meaning 'acid former', as it was initially thought to be a component of acids.

Explain Like I’m 5

Oxygen is a gas we breathe that helps our bodies turn food into energy, like how a car needs fuel to run.

Fun Facts

Oxygen was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley
It is a highly reactive element
Liquid oxygen is pale blue

FAQ

What is oxygen? A gas essential for respiration
Where is it found? In the atmosphere and water
Why do we need it? To breathe and create energy

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

element gas

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

dioxygen ozone

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

air water

Indexes

chemical element natural object

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