Oxygen and Oxygen Molecule

**Symbol:** O

**Atomic number:** 8

**International title:** oxygenium

**General formula:** O₂

**Relative Atomic Weight:** 15,999

**Information:** Oxygen is a colourless gas, tasteless and odourless, once liquefied it has a bluish color. Oxygen atoms are unstable and merge into two-atom molecules O₂ with a double bond between atoms. It is a typical non-metal.

**Use:** Oxygen is used in the production of iron and steel, welding and cutting of metals, in the glass industry and in medicine (breathing apparatus). It is also used as rocket fuel.

**Occurrence:** Oxygen is the most widespread element on earth. It is a component of the atmosphere, the hydrosphere and the earth's crust. Oxygen is part of every living thing (it is a biogenic element).