Question

The element name ‘oxygen’ comes from Greek words which means:
A) Fire-starter
B) Rust
C) Air
D) Acid-producing

Answer 1

Hint: Element name ‘oxygen’ is derived from two words named ‘oxy’ and ‘genes’. Information about the naming of elements is necessary.

Complete answer:
Oxygen is a chemical element with atomic number 8 with symbol O. It is a highly reactive non-metal of chalcogen group of periodic table. It is an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides and other compounds. It is the third most abundant element in the world after hydrogen and helium. At STP two oxygen atoms bind to form dioxygen which is a colourless and odourless diatomic gas.
Various Scientists contributed to the discovery of oxygen. For example Polish alchemist, philosopher and physician wrote in his work about a substance present in air and referring to it as food of life. Various others talked and wrote about it. The element name “oxygen” came from the Greek words “oxys” and “genes” which together mean “acid forming”.

Therefore, the correct option is D.

Note: Oxygen consists of 20.95 percentage of Earth’s atmosphere. With the most important use of oxygen as a human life support system, it is used for production of steel, plastics, textiles, brazing, welding and cutting of steels and other metals, rocket propellant, oxygen therapy and also for human survival in aircraft, submarines, spaceflight and diving. It dissolves readily in water than nitrogen and in freshwater more readily than seawater.