Oxygen is by far one of the most plural elements available for life. It accounts for roughly 21% of the Earth’s atmosphere and is integral to the respiration and combustion process. But what colour is it, you ask? So, without further ado, let’s dig into this interesting topic and discover some cool properties and facts about this element.
The Color of Oxygen
Oxygen is a colourless, tasteless, odourless gas at standard temperature and pressure in its most common diatomic form O O 2 display O 2. It’s the oxygen we live in and gives creators breath. However, oxygen is an attractive blue colour when it becomes liquid or solid. That blue hue comes from the absorption of light in the red part of the spectrum, with the blue wavelengths being scattered instead.
Why Is Oxygen Blue in Liquid and Solid Forms?
At standard temperature and pressure, oxygen (systematic name dioxygen) occurs as a colourless, tasteless, and odourless gas (O₂). This is the air we inhale and experience every day. But oxygen appears a rich blue when it is a liquid or a solid. The reason we see a blue colour instead is that the red region of the light spectrum is absorbed, allowing the blue wavelengths to scatter.
Physical Properties of Oxygen
Boiling Point: O2 has a boiling point of 183 C (297 F)
Freezing point: Oxygen has a freezing point of −218.8 °C (−361.8 °F).
Density: In liquid form, oxygen is denser than gaseous oxygen, which makes it appear more sumptuous and thus bluish.
Exciting Facts About Oxygen
Intro: (ie first 4 natural words from 4 in a set) Paramagnetic.
Nature: Oxygen is paramagnetic, meaning it is attracted to magnetic fields. This is because there are unpaired electrons in its molecular structure.
Third most abundant: Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen and helium.
Supports Combustion: Oxygen does not burn, but it supports combustion. This is why it’s really important, for things like rocket propulsion and fire.
Conclusion
Oxygen colour and properties make it a fascinating element. While it is invisible to the naked eye in its gaseous state, It is vibrant blue appearance in liquid and solid forms adds a touch of mystery to this life-sustaining element. The oxygen’s properties help us appreciate its significance in both natural and technological processes.