Oxygen

Physical Properties

• Oxygen is a colorless gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

• It has a boiling point of -183 °C and a freezing point of -219 °C.

• Oxygen is the second densest gas in the atmosphere, behind nitrogen.

 

Production

• Oxygen can be obtained by separation from the atmosphere or by industrial processes.

• Fractional distillation is a widely used method of separating oxygen from the atmosphere. In this process, liquid air is used to separate gases at different temperatures.

 

Areas of Use

• Medical Use: Oxygen is used in medical fields by supplying it to patients through respirators and oxygen cylinders.

• Metal Cutting and Welding: Oxygen is used for cutting and welding metals. High temperatures can be achieved when oxygen is combined with a flammable gas.

• Chemical Industry: Oxygen is used to accelerate oxidation reactions in many chemical processes.

• Space and Aviation: Oxygen is used in rocket fuels and oxygen masks in airplanes.

• Food Industry: It is used in food packages, especially in the packaging of fresh meat, fish or cut fruit and vegetables.

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General Features

• Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration of living organisms. Cells produce energy by burning oxygen.

• The respiratory system ensures that oxygen is taken into the body and carbon dioxide is removed.

 

Safety

• Oxygen can be flammable when in contact with combustible materials. It must not be brought near open flames or fire.

• Oxygen cylinders and systems must be designed and used in accordance with safety standards.

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Oxygen is a vital gas and is used in many industries and medical applications. However, safety rules must be observed during its use, as it can be dangerous due to its flammable properties.