All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

Who among the following coined the name oxygen for the element released by mercury oxide in 1779?

This question was previously asked in
PYST : General Awareness - SSC Stenographer 2024 (Tier-I) (10-Dec-2024) (Shift 2)
The correct answer is

Antoine Lavoisier

The correct answer is Antoine Lavoisier.

Antoine Lavoisier, a prominent French chemist, is credited with naming the element oxygen. While other scientists, such as Joseph Priestley and Carl Wilhelm Scheele, had previously isolated oxygen, Lavoisier conducted extensive experiments on combustion and respiration, ultimately recognizing oxygen's crucial role in these processes. His careful quantitative experiments using mercury oxide demonstrated that the gas released during the decomposition of this compound was a previously unknown element essential for respiration and combustion. He named this element "oxygen," derived from Greek roots meaning "acid-former," reflecting the then-prevalent (but later disproven) belief that oxygen was a necessary component of all acids. Lavoisier's systematic approach and comprehensive understanding of the chemical reactions involved cemented his place in the history of chemistry and solidified his contribution to the naming of oxygen.

The other options are incorrect because John Dalton is known for his atomic theory, Martin Klaproth for discovering several elements, and Jons Jacob Berzelius for his work on atomic weights and chemical symbols. None of them coined the name "oxygen."

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. Identify the correct statement related to metallic character.
  2. What food items are most commonly affected by the adulteration of Sudan dyes?
  3. Which detergents are also used in toothpaste?
  4. Identify the atomic number of an element that belongs to group 17.
  5. Identify the odd option from among the following.
  6. The correct chemical formula of the compound Magnesium Hydroxide is:
  7. Which of the following is NOT used as food preservative?
  8. What is the name of the solution that is employed to identify the existence of starch in food?


Important Questions from Chemistry

  1. What is deposited on iron in the process of Galvanization?

  2. Which element is used for making solar cells?

  3. Which gas is flushed in a bag of chips to prevent the chips from getting oxidized?

  4. Terylene is a type of:

  5. Who was the first Indian lady scientist who worked with organic chemistry and medicinal plant?

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC CPO
November 23, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC Stenographer img
SSC
SSC Stenographer 2026 Mock Test Series (Latest Version)
1178 Tests 2 Tests Free
3256 Attempts
4.6(276)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App