Introduction to Chemistry: Analysis of Oxygen - Term Paper Example

Introduction to Chemistry: Analysis of Oxygen (O2) Introduction Oxygen is a chemical element that largely forms part of the atmospheric and is widely recognized with the sustenance of life and survival of organisms. It has a formula of O­2. As a chemical element, this substance has an atomic number of 8 and belongs to the chalcogen group on the periodic table; thus, making it build and possess certain significant characteristics for its operations such as being a highly reactive non-metallic element. Subsequently, oxygen is widely used as an oxidizing agent through its readiness to form compounds (in most cases oxides), with most of the atmospheric elements (Bauer, Birk & Pamela 145-149). Identification by mass sets this element as the third-most abundant element in the universe after elements of hydrogen and helium. Representatively by dry air volume, oxygen forms about 20.9476% (209,460 ppmv) of the atmosphere by volume at the sea level temperatures of 150C; thus, making it the third largest compound. The composition and properties of Oxygen (O2) Understanding the composition of oxygen and its molecular composition is essential in its incorporation to further chemical uses given that it is a primary atmospheric industrial gas product. For instance, given that one has 32 grams of oxygen, this will be equivalent to one mole of Oxygen gas while 16 grams of the same would be a representation of Oxygen element. This implies that the molecular mass of Oxygen is 32 grams while its atomic mass is 16 grams. By ratio compared to dry air, Oxygen forms about 23.20% of the atmospheric air by weight and has a boiling point of -182.950C. Oxygen forms about 85% of the earth’s elements such as oceans, and is a component of most minerals and rocks given that 46% of these rocks and minerals comprises of Oxygen. Subsequently, the compound forms about 60% of the human body mass. Oxygen as a chemical compound possess distinct properties such as being colorless, being tasteless and odorless. Oxygen also has the property of being poorly soluble in water. A particular gravity of 1.105 is enough to make oxygen be slightly heavier than air. When the Oxygen is cooled to its boiling point of -1830C, it turns appearance and becomes a transparent, pale blue liquid that has a slightly heavy weight than water. Oxygen as a compound can react with all elements, excluding the inert gases resulting in the formation of oxides through a varied reaction rate (oxidation). Even though oxygen in itself is non-flammable, it enhances the combustion process; thus, enabling all flammable materials to burn vigorously. The use of oxygen in industrial applications and processes is defined based on this property of supporting combustion. Understanding and appreciating Oxygen Most of the times, people have often taken air, particularly oxygen for granted without the realization of its significance to the sustenance of the various forms of life. Ideally, most people are hardly conscious of the thought of Oxygen, and the fact that sometimes it can be missing that we fail to recognize its importance. For instance, failure to have exposure to Oxygen gas for breathing purposes would ultimately result to suffocation, and in extreme cases death. The ideal moments when Oxygen is appreciated is when one is in a comma and requires the support of Oxygen to aid their breathing, especially in hospitals’ Intensive Care Units (ICUs). In such scenarios, medical oxygen is used by hospitals to perform essential clinical care practices such as resuscitation of patients and in performing surgeries. Additionally, the recognition for the benefits of Oxygen is in relation to the use in burning fuels for heating, generation of power, transportation among other uses. However, certain times, the purpose of Oxygen as a component of air are recognized when we become conscious to the use of air compositions that may pollute the atmosphere. Production of oxygen Oxygen, being the second largest industrial gas by volume, can be commercially produced in the form of liquid or gas through the adoption of the following methods. a. Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption: Under this method, oxygen is produced from the air through a non-cryogenic technology that utilizes an adsorbent in a pressure swing process. This process results in the removal of nitrogen from the air. b. Cryogenic air separation: In this process, atmospheric air is compressed and then cooled to separate the resulting oxygen liquid from other components. This method relies on different boiling points of the components of air (Weiner & Blaine 63-71). Uses/applications of Oxygen The valuation of Oxygen is in relation to reactivity purposes. As such, it is widely recognized to be useful in the support of biological processes and combustion in most industrial processes. There are several major classes of organic molecules that are found in living organisms and all of which are supported by Oxygen. Such include proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and fats, as well as other major inorganic compounds that comprise of teeth, bones, and animal shells. The major mass of living organisms is Oxygen given that Oxygen forms a part of water that is a principal component of life forms. Oxygen can be compressed into gas and liquid forms and then used in various forms. For instance, Oxygen when mixed with helium or nitrogen can be used to create mixtures for use in underwater diving. In this process, large quantities of oxygen are obtained on a commercial scale through processes such as liquefaction and distillation of ambient air. Oxygen may also be put to several other uses in various industries such as: Steel Manufacturing where oxygen is used in enriching the air and increasing the combustion temperatures in blast and open-hearth furnaces. In this industry, oxygen is used as a replacement of the coke used for combustion, as well as in the raising of the steel temperatures to enhance recycling of scrap metal in electric arc furnaces. Chemical processing: In producing chemical compounds such as nitric acid, propylene oxide, ethylene oxide and vinyl chloride monometer, Oxygen is used to alter their structures through the process of oxidation (Bishop 78-82). Production of pulp and paper: The manufacturers to meet stringent environmental regulations such as chemical recovery, bleaching, and oxidative extraction use Oxygen. In other contexts, Oxygen is widely used in industries such as metal production, glass manufacturing, metal fabrication, and petroleum recovery and refining. Works Cited Bauer, Richard C, James P. Birk, and Pamela Marks. Introduction to Chemistry. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013. Print. Bishop, Mark. An Introduction to Chemistry. Monterey, CA: Chiral Publishing, 2006. Print. Weiner, Susan A, and Blaine Harrison. Introduction to Chemical Principles: A Laboratory Approach. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 2010. Print. Read More