Question

Research each of the following using an Internet search engine (e.g., Google.com or Yahoo.com) and cite your URL reference. Who first discovered oxygen?

Short answer

Joseph Priestley is often credited with discovering oxygen in 1774, although Carl Wilhelm Scheele may have discovered it earlier.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks us to identify the person or people who first discovered oxygen. It implicitly requires us to use an internet search engine to find this information.

Conducting the Search

Open a web browser and go to the search engine of your choice. Type in search keywords such as 'first discovery of oxygen'. Hit search to see the results.

Analyzing Search Results

Look through the search results to find relevant and reliable sources. Look for information from credible websites, such as educational institutions or well-known publications, that mention the history of oxygen's discovery.

Identifying the Discoverer

According to historical records, the discovery of oxygen is credited to multiple scientists, but Carl Wilhelm Scheele, Joseph Priestley, and Antoine Lavoisier are often mentioned. Priestley is typically credited with the discovery in 1774 as his findings were published first.

Citing the Source

Copy and note down the URL of the webpage that provided this information. Ensure it is a reliable source, such as a reputable science history website or online encyclopedia.

Key concepts

Carl Wilhelm Scheele

Carl Wilhelm Scheele, a Swedish chemist of German descent, played a crucial role in the discovery of oxygen. Although he conducted his groundbreaking experiments in 1771, his findings weren't published until after those of Joseph Priestley. Scheele discovered a gas that he termed "fire air" because it supported combustion better than regular air. He didn't just stop at oxygen; Scheele's ability to isolate chemical elements paved the way for other significant discoveries.
Scheele was known for his work in a modest lab in Sweden, often using simple apparatus and making keen observations. Despite the limited technology of his time, Scheele's methodical approach to experimentation allowed him to identify several elements beyond oxygen, including chlorine and manganese.

• Discovered oxygen by heating various compounds and observing the release of gas which enhanced combustion.
• Recorded his results in a manuscript titled 'Chemische Abhandlung von der Luft und dem Feuer' (Chemical Treatise on Air and Fire), though published later.

His work demonstrates how systematic experimentation and observation can lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries.

Joseph Priestley

Joseph Priestley, an English theologian and natural philosopher, is most famously associated with the discovery of oxygen, which he called "dephlogisticated air." Priestley published his findings in 1774, and because of the timing, he is often credited with the discovery by the broader scientific community. Priestley's experiments often involved the use of glassware and substances like mercury and its oxide. Through his experiments with heating mercuric oxide, he isolated a gas that supported combustion better than normal air.

• Used a simple yet effective setup that included burning substances and capturing gases.
• His notes and methodology provided a clear documentation of his scientific process, important for future researchers.

Living during a time of great scientific curiosity, Priestley was a true polymath, contributing to both science and philosophy. His work helped fundamentally change the understanding of air and combustion in chemistry.

Antoine Lavoisier

Antoine Lavoisier, a French chemist, is often called the "Father of Modern Chemistry" for his role in the chemical revolution. He is recognized not for being the first to discover oxygen, but for naming it and elucidating its role in combustion and respiration. Lavoisier's approach was notably distinct; he applied rigorous quantitative methods to better understand chemical reactions. Building on the findings of Scheele and Priestley, Lavoisier determined that oxygen was a fundamental component in combustion, effectively debunking the then-prevailing phlogiston theory.

• Named 'oxygen' from Greek roots, meaning "acid former," due to a misconception that it was present in all acids.
• His meticulous experiments helped establish the law of conservation of mass.

Lavoisier's systematic and analytical approach marked a significant shift in chemistry, laying the groundwork for modern chemical nomenclature and methodologies.

History of Chemistry

The history of chemistry is a fascinating journey through the exploration and understanding of substances and their properties. Known for centuries as "alchemy," the field saw a significant transformation with the Scientific Revolution. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the study of chemistry shifted from mystical practices to a disciplined science characterized by systematic experimentation and empirical data. The discovery of oxygen was a turning point that showcased the scientific method's power, challenging the existing theories like phlogiston, a supposed substance theorized to be released during combustion. The contributions of scientists like Scheele, Priestley, and Lavoisier exemplified a collaborative advancement in the field:

• Scheele and Priestley's isolation of oxygen challenged traditional beliefs and paved the way for chemical innovation.
• Lavoisier's use of quantitative methods revolutionized the study of chemistry, influencing future generations of chemists.

This period set the stage for modern chemical sciences, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the enduring quest for knowledge in understanding the natural world.