Question

(a) List three industrial uses of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\). (b) List two industrial uses of \(\mathrm{O}_{3}\)

Short answer

Three industrial uses of O₂ (oxygen gas) include steel manufacturing, chemical production, and medical applications. Two industrial uses of O₃ (ozone) are water treatment and air purification.

Step-by-step solution

List three industrial uses of O₂

Examples of three industrial uses of O₂ (oxygen gas) are: 1. In the steel industry, oxygen is used in blast furnaces to convert pig iron into steel by oxidizing impurities such as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus. 2. Oxygen is used in the chemical industry to create a wide range of products such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. 3. Oxygen gas is often used in medical applications, since it is essential for patients with breathing difficulties or respiratory issues requiring supplemental oxygen.

List two industrial uses of O₃

Examples of two industrial uses of O₃ (ozone) are: 1. Ozone is widely used for water treatment as a disinfectant, killing harmful microorganisms and breaking down organic contaminants. 2. In the air purification industry, ozone generators are used to remove odors, kill mold and bacteria, and break down harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) present in the air.

Key concepts

Steel Industry

Oxygen plays a crucial role in the steel industry. It is primarily used in blast furnaces, where it helps transform pig iron into steel. The presence of oxygen aids in oxidizing undesirable elements such as carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus. These impurities are removed as gases, making the resulting steel stronger and more durable. This process not only enhances the quality of the steel but also increases the efficiency of production. By using oxygen, manufacturers can produce high-quality steel that is essential for constructing buildings, bridges, and various industrial machinery. Moreover, oxygen-enriched environments can significantly reduce fuel costs during the steelmaking process, making it more economical and environmentally friendly.

Chemical Industry

Oxygen is indispensable in the chemical industry, where it is used to synthesize an array of products. From plastics and pharmaceuticals to petrochemicals, oxygen is a key ingredient. In many reactions, oxygen acts as an oxidizer, facilitating complex chemical transformations. For instance, in the production of acetaldehyde, a critical chemical intermediate, oxygen is used to oxidize ethylene.

• Plastics: Oxygen is used in the polymerization processes to produce various plastics.
• Pharmaceuticals: Oxygen is involved in creating key ingredients and drugs.
• Petrochemicals: Oxygen helps in refining crude oil into gasoline and other fuels.

Oxygen’s versatility makes it a cornerstone of modern industrial chemistry, providing the foundation for countless products that we rely on every day.

Water Treatment

Ozone, a powerful oxidizing agent, is extensively employed in water treatment facilities. It is highly effective at disinfecting water by killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Ozone achieves this by breaking down the cell walls of microorganisms, rendering them harmless.
Additionally, ozone helps in decomposing organic pollutants and removing unpleasant tastes and odors from water. As a result, treated water becomes safe and palatable for consumption. One of the significant advantages of using ozone in water treatment is that it does not leave harmful chemical residues. This makes it an environmentally friendly option compared to traditional chlorine treatments, making water treatment more sustainable and safer for public health.

Medical Applications

In the medical field, oxygen is life-saving and profoundly impactful. It is widely used to aid patients with respiratory problems by providing supplemental oxygen. For individuals suffering from conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, supplemental oxygen can significantly improve their quality of life.

• Respiratory Ailments: Oxygen therapy enhances breathing and oxygen saturation levels in blood.
• Surgery and Emergencies: Medical oxygen is essential during surgical procedures and in emergency care.
• Hyperbaric Treatments: Oxygen is used in hyperbaric chambers to treat conditions like decompression sickness.

Medical-grade oxygen ensures that patients receive pure oxygen necessary for their treatment, underlining its critical role in healthcare.

Air Purification

Ozone is harnessed in the air purification industry due to its remarkable ability to neutralize airborne pollutants. Ozone generators release ozone into the air to remove unpleasant odors and break down VOCs (volatile organic compounds), mold, and bacteria.

• Eliminating Odors: Ozone alters the chemical structure of odors, neutralizing them effectively.
• Mold and Bacteria: It kills airborne pathogens, improving indoor air quality significantly.
• VOCs: Ozone breaks down harmful compounds emitted by paints, varnishes, and cleaning agents.

Despite its effectiveness, caution is advised when using ozone for air purification, as high concentrations can be harmful. Adequate ventilation and professional handling are crucial to safe use.