Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Oxygen exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the nonmetal family, governed by an electronegativity of 3.44 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 8Reactive Nonmetal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabOxygen
O
Standard Atomic Mass: 15.999 u
Period 2Group 16P-Block
Chemical Specimen/O
Concentric Electron Shells2 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 6e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Reactive Nonmetal
3D Atom SimulatorOxygen (O) Scientific Profile
Oxygen (O) is an element with atomic number 8, classified as a nonmetal. Positioned in Period 2, Group 16, and P-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([He]2s²2p⁴) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Oxygen
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[He]2s²2p⁴
Electronegativity
3.44 Pauling
Year Discovered
1774
Orbital Shells
2 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
p-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 16 • P: 2
Etymology & Discovery History
Name OriginGreek 'oxy' + 'genes'
Literal MeaningAcid-former
Discovery HubCo-discovered in Uppsala, Sweden / Wiltshire, UK (1774)
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Oxygen is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Oxygen does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Oxygen are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Oxygen is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oxygen
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Oxygen?
Oxygen (O) has an atomic number of 8 and a standard atomic mass of 15.999 u. It is positioned in Period 2, Group 16, in the P-block, and is classified within the Reactive Nonmetal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Oxygen?
The ground-state electron configuration of Oxygen is [He]2s²2p⁴. Its 8 electrons are distributed across 2 principal energy levels (2, 6).
Q
Why does Oxygen exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Oxygen follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Oxygen?
Oxygen is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.