USES OF THE ELEMENT OXYGEN

-Breathing. A person can survive a few days without food or water, but no more than a few minutes without oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, energy-generating chemical reactions within cells would come to an end, and a person dies.
-Cellular Respiration. Glucose and oxygen are needed to produce energy, carbon and water.
-Medicine. Sometimes patients must be given oxygen therapy to stay alive.-Converting metals. For example, in the processing of iron ore in a blast furnace, oxygen is used to convert carbon to carbon monoxide.
-Welding. The two most common welding torches make use of the reaction between oxygen and hydrogen, or between oxygen and acetylene.
-Combustion. Oxygen is part of the Fire Triangle. When added to heat and fuel, it will combust.
-Sewage treatment. Oxygen is pumped through water to increase the rate at which naturally occuring bacteria break down organic waste materials.