Oxygen (O): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Oxygen is element 8 on the periodic table, a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a gas. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DOxygen quick facts
| Atomic number | 8 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | O |
| Atomic mass | 15.999 |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Group and period | Group 16, period 2 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Gas |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s² 2p⁴ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 6 |
| Discovered | 1774, Priestley |
What is oxygen used for?
- Steel & glass manufacturing
- Medical life support systems
- Rocket oxidiser
Interesting facts about oxygen
- Makes up 21% of Earth's atmosphere and 65% of the human body by mass
- Liquid oxygen is pale blue. Solid oxygen also appears blue
- Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere is almost entirely a product of life. No life, no breathable air
Oxygen was discovered in 1774 by Priestley in Britain.
Where oxygen sits on the periodic table
Oxygen is in group 16, period 2. Tap any element to open its page.
Other nonmetals
Oxygen questions
What is the atomic number of oxygen?
Oxygen has atomic number 8, so every oxygen atom has 8 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is O and its atomic mass is 15.999.
Is oxygen a metal?
Oxygen is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a nonmetal, found in group 16, period 2.
What is the electron configuration of oxygen?
The electron configuration of oxygen is [He] 2s² 2p⁴. Its electrons sit in 2 shells: 2, 6.
What is oxygen used for?
Oxygen is used for steel & glass manufacturing, medical life support systems and rocket oxidiser.
Who discovered oxygen?
Oxygen was discovered in 1774 by Priestley in Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.