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'''Oxygen''' is a [[chemical] [[element]]. Its [[atomic number]], derived from number of [[proton]]s and [[electron]]s it contains, is 8. Oxygen's [[atomic mass]] is slightly under 16, since it also has 8 [[neutron]]s (a slight amount of mass is "lost" in the energy contianed in the [[subatomic bond]]s).
{{Element | name=Oxygen | symbol=O | anumber=8 | amass=16.0 amu | noe=8 | class=Non-metal | cstructure=Cubic | color=Colorless | date=1774 | discname=[[Joseph Priestly]] | origname=From the Greek words ''oxus'' (acid) and ''gennan'' (generate) | uses=Supports life | obtained=From liquid air}}
'''Oxygen''' is a [[chemical] [[element]]. Its [[atomic number]], derived from number of [[proton]]s and [[electron]]s it contains, is 8. Oxygen's [[atomic mass]] is slightly under 16, since it also has 8 [[neutron]]s (a slight amount of mass is "lost" in the energy contained in the [[subatomic bond]]s).
Under [[normal condition]]s it is a colorless, odorless [[gas]] consisting of two oxygen [[atom|atoms]] which has the chemical formula O<sub>2</sub>. This means it is [[diatom]]ic. Approximately 20% of the [[atmosphere]] is made up of oxygen. Oxygen also forms a [[triatom]]ic molecule called [[ozone]] (O<sub>3</sub>), which although unstable under normal conditions, is a very important ingredient in the upper [[atmosphere]].
Under [[normal condition]]s it is a colorless, odorless [[gas]] consisting of two oxygen [[atom|atoms]] which has the chemical formula O<sub>2</sub>. This means it is [[diatom]]ic. Approximately 20% of the [[atmosphere]] is made up of oxygen. Oxygen also forms a [[triatomic]] molecule called [[ozone]] (O<sub>3</sub>), which although unstable under normal conditions, is a very important ingredient in the upper [[atmosphere]].
Oxygen is highly reactive, and in many other elements and compounds undergo [[exothermic reaction]]s with it (they [[combustion|burn]] or [[oxidization|rust]]). If it were not for its continual replenishment as a waste product of plant [[photosynthesis]], the atmospheric oxygen would disappear, forming compounds with other chemicals at the earth's surface.
Oxygen is highly reactive, and in many other elements and compounds undergo [[exothermic reaction]]s with it (they [[combustion|burn]] or [[oxidization|rust]]). If it were not for its continual replenishment as a waste product of plant [[photosynthesis]], the atmospheric oxygen would disappear, forming compounds with other chemicals at the earth's surface.