<ul><li>This makes it the most abundant element, by mass, in the body. Much of that oxygen is part of water, H2O. </li><li>Although there are more hydrogen atoms in the body than oxygen atoms, they account for significantly less mass. </li><li>Oxygen is also the most abundant element in the Earth's crust (about 47% by mass) and the third most common element in the Universe. As stars burn hydrogen and helium, oxygen becomes more abundant.</li></ul>

Approximately 2/3 Of The Mass Of The Human Body Is Oxygen

Oxygen gas normally is the divalent molecule O2. Ozone, O3, is another form of pure oxygen.Atomic oxygen, which is also called "singlet oxygen" does occur in nature, although the ion readily bonds to other elements. Singlet oxygen may be found in the upper atmosphere. A single atom of oxygen usually has an oxidation number of -2.

O2 And O3

<ul><li>It has low thermal and electrical conductivity, but high electronegativity and ionization energy. </li><li>The solid form is brittle rather than malleable or ductile. </li><li>The atoms readily gain electrons and form covalent chemical bonds.</li></ul>

Oxygen Is A Nonmetal

Oxygen gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. It's usually purified by fractional distillation of liquefied air, but the element is found in many compounds, such as water, silica, and carbon dioxide.

Oxygen: The Characteristics

Oxygen was the atomic weight standard for the other elements until 1961 when it was replaced by carbon 12. Oxygen made a good choice for the standard before much was known about isotopes because although there are 3 natural isotopes of oxygen, most of it is oxygen-16. This is why the atomic weight of oxygen (15.9994) is so close to 16. About 99.76% of oxygen is oxygen-16.

The Atomic Weight Standard

However, it is not truly flammable. It is considered an oxidizer. Bubbles of pure oxygen don't burn.

Oxygen Supports Combustion

Liquid and solid oxygen is pale blue. At lower temperatures and higher pressures, oxygen changes its appearance from blue monoclinic crystals to orange, red, black, and even a metallic appearance.

Liquid And Solid Oxygen

This means it is weakly attracted to a magnet but doesn't retain permanent magnetism.

Oxygen Is Paramagnetic

Excited oxygen is responsible for the bright red, green, and yellow-green colors of the aurora. It's the molecule of primary importance, as far as generating bright and colorful auroras.

Excited Oxygen 

Animals and plants require oxygen for respiration. Plant photosynthesis drives the oxygen cycle, maintaining it around 21% in air. While the gas is essential for life, too much of it can be toxic or lethal. Symptoms of oxygen poisoning include vision loss, coughing, muscle twitching, and seizures. At normal pressure, oxygen poisoning occurs when the gas exceeds 50%.

Breathing 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.

Discovering Oxygen

Learn 10 interesting facts about the element oxygen, the breath of life, including its color, characteristics, and more.