Discovering Oxygen

Oxygen is atomic number 8 with the element symbol O. It was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1773, but he did not publish his work immediately, so credit is often given to Joseph Priestly in 1774.

Oxygen is one of the best-known gases on the planet, largely because it is so important for our physical survival. It is a crucial part of Earth's atmosphere and hydrosphere, it's used for medical purposes, and it has a profound effect on plants, animals, and metals.