Súrefnisatóm

Súrefnisatóm is the Icelandic word for an oxygen atom. An oxygen atom is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. Oxygen is a highly reactive nonmetal and an oxidizing agent that readily forms compounds with most elements. It is the third most abundant element in the universe by mass, after hydrogen and helium. Oxygen is essential for life on Earth, forming a significant part of the atmosphere and being a key component of water. In its elemental form, oxygen typically exists as a diatomic molecule, O2, which is a colorless and odorless gas. This molecule is crucial for aerobic respiration in most living organisms. Oxygen atoms can also exist as ozone, O3, which is a triatomic molecule. Ozone plays a vital role in the Earth's stratosphere by absorbing most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. The atomic structure of oxygen consists of a nucleus containing 8 protons and typically 8 neutrons, surrounded by 8 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s²2s²2p⁴, which means it has six valence electrons in its outermost shell, making it eager to gain two electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This tendency to gain electrons is why oxygen is so reactive and forms oxides with many other elements.