The Importance of Oxygen: Our Lifeline

Oxygen is a vital element for life, with the chemical symbol O and atomic number 8. It is colorless and odorless in its gaseous state and light-blue in liquid form. Discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley, oxygen supports combustion and is essential for respiration and blood circulation in humans. It is used in medical treatments, space missions, and underwater exploration. Industrially, oxygen is crucial in smelting, welding, and as an oxidizer in rocket propellants. It forms part of many organic compounds and plays a significant role in combustion processes.

Who were the two scientists credited with the discovery of oxygen?

• Marie Curie and Isaac Newton

• Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr

• Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley

• Antoine Lavoisier and Dmitri Mendeleev

What is the primary role of oxygen in the human body?

• To improve muscle strength

• To enhance memory function

• To support blood circulation and respiration

• To aid in digestion

Why do astronauts use spacesuits with nearly pure oxygen?

• To protect against cosmic rays

• To enhance communication with Earth

• To maintain body temperature

• To ensure proper respiration in low-pressure environments

In which industrial process is oxygen primarily used?

• Food preservation

• Textile manufacturing

• Plastic production

• Smelting and metal cutting

What is a potential hazard of oxygen in high concentrations?

• It can cause skin irritation

• It can cause metal corrosion

• It can trigger fires and explosions

• It can lead to water pollution