oksigjeni

Oxygen (oksigjeni in Albanian) is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is the third-most abundant element in the universe by mass and makes up about 21 percent of Earth's atmosphere. In its most common form on Earth, it exists as diatomic O2 at room temperature. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly soluble in water and highly reactive, forming oxides with most elements. It is essential for aerobic respiration and is a major component of water and many organic and inorganic compounds.

Occurrence and role: Oxygen occurs widely in the atmosphere, rocks, and oceans, and is produced primarily by photosynthesis in plants and algae. It is continually cycled through biological, geological, and chemical processes. In the atmosphere, O2 supports combustion and respiration; dissolved oxygen in water is crucial for aquatic life.

Production and uses: Industrially, oxygen is mainly produced by fractional distillation of liquid air or by electrolysis of water. It is used in steelmaking, chemical synthesis, glass production, metal cutting and welding, and medical oxygen therapies. Oxygen also serves as an oxidizer in rocket propulsion and various industrial processes.

Safety and health: While oxygen is vital for life, elevated partial pressures can cause oxygen toxicity, and high-concentration environments can accelerate fires because oxygen supports combustion. Handling and storage require appropriate controls, especially at high pressures or in enclosed spaces.

History and isotopes: Oxygen was identified independently by Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley in the 1770s, with Lavoisier later naming and explaining it. The most abundant isotope is O-16, followed by O-17 and O-18, which are used in scientific applications such as climate studies and tracing experiments.