Yes, oxygen can be liquefied.
How is Oxygen Liquefied?
The process of liquefying oxygen involves cooling it to a temperature below its boiling point. Oxygen boils at 90 K (or -183 °C). To achieve this, a substance colder than oxygen is needed.
Using Liquid Nitrogen
One effective method to liquify oxygen is using liquid nitrogen. As referenced, liquid nitrogen boils at 77 K (or -196 °C), which is significantly colder than the boiling point of oxygen.
- The method:
- Oxygen gas, usually from a compressed cylinder, is passed through a coil of hollow copper pipe.
- This coil is submerged in liquid nitrogen.
- The cold liquid nitrogen extracts heat from the oxygen gas.
- As a result, the oxygen gas cools and condenses into a liquid.
Practical Considerations
- Industrial Scale: This technique is widely used in industrial settings to produce liquid oxygen for various applications.
- Safety: Working with liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen requires proper safety procedures due to the extremely low temperatures and the flammability of oxygen under certain conditions.
Summary
| Feature | Oxygen | Liquid Nitrogen |
|---|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 90 K (-183 °C) | 77 K (-196 °C) |
| Role in Liquefaction | Liquefied Substance | Cooling Medium |
Therefore, with the help of liquid nitrogen, we can successfully liquify oxygen.
