Oxygen is a chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group on the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements as well as with other compounds.
Oxygen is essential for life as it is a key component of biological processes such as respiration. It makes up about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere and is a major component of the Earth's oceans and crust.
When studying oxygen, it's important to understand its chemical properties, its role in supporting life, and its place in the periodic table. Here are some key topics to focus on:
It's also helpful to practice balancing chemical equations involving oxygen and understanding its role in various chemical compounds.
Remember to review the periodic table to understand oxygen's placement and its relationship to other elements.