Air is not called oxygen; rather, oxygen is a specific gas found in air. The term "oxygen" actually refers to a particular element and gas that makes up about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere.
The Naming of Oxygen
The name "oxygen" came about due to a misunderstanding about its chemical properties. Here's a breakdown:
- Early Understanding: Before the late 18th century, scientists didn't fully grasp the nature of elements and gases.
- "Vital Air": Oxygen was initially referred to as "vital air" because it was found to be essential for combustion and respiration.
- Lavoisier's Contribution: In 1777, French chemist Antoine Lavoisier renamed this "vital air" to oxygène.
- Greek Roots: The name oxygène was derived from two Greek words:
- ὀξύς (oxys): Meaning "acid" or "sharp," based on the taste of acids.
- -γενής (-genēs): Meaning "producer" or "begetter."
- Mistaken Belief: Lavoisier believed, mistakenly, that oxygen was a component of all acids, leading him to create this name meaning "acid-producer".
- Greek Roots: The name oxygène was derived from two Greek words:
Key Takeaways
Point | Explanation |
---|---|
Air vs. Oxygen | Air is a mixture of gases, whereas oxygen is a specific gas within that mixture. |
Original Name | It was originally called "vital air" due to its role in supporting life. |
Lavoisier's Renaming | Lavoisier renamed it oxygène, based on a misconception of its role in acid formation. |
Greek Origin | The name is derived from the Greek words oxys ("acid") and -genēs ("producer"). |
Misconception | Lavoisier believed that oxygen was a constituent of all acids, which is incorrect. |
Therefore, air isn't called oxygen. Oxygen is a single component gas in the mixture of gases that make up air, and that gas was named because of a historical misunderstanding.