is oxygen a pure substance

1 answer

Yes, oxygen (O₂) is considered a pure substance when it exists in its molecular form as a diatomic molecule. A pure substance has a uniform and definite composition, which in the case of oxygen means it consists solely of oxygen molecules. This distinguishes it from mixtures, which contain two or more different substances. Oxygen found in nature, such as in the atmosphere, is typically mixed with other gases, but when referring to purified oxygen (like medical oxygen or oxygen used in laboratories), it is classified as a pure substance.