basil_isotopic

Isotopes
Oxygen has nine isotopes. Natural oxygen is a mixture of three isotopes. Natural occurring oxygen 18 is stable and available commercially, as is water (H2O with 15% 18O). Commercial oxygen consumption in the U.S. is estimated at 20 million short tons per year and the demand is expected to increase substantially. Oxygen enrichment of steel blast furnaces accounts for the greatest use of the gas. Large quantities are also used in making synthesis gas for ammonia and methanol, ethylene oxide, and for oxy-acetylene welding. 16-0 (160) Is the most abundent.

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