Which of the following statements concerning oxygen is true?

• A. Oxygen is commonly found as a solid under standard conditions.
• B. Oxygen has a chemical symbol of O2 and atomic number 8.
• C. Oxygen is a noble gas and does not react with other elements.
• D. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the physical state of oxygen under standard conditions (25°C and 1 atm). Oxygen is typically found as a gas, not a solid, at room temperature and pressure.
2. Step 2: Review the chemical symbol and atomic number of oxygen. The chemical symbol for oxygen is 'O', representing the element, while 'O_2' represents the diatomic molecule form of oxygen. The atomic number of oxygen is 8, which corresponds to the number of protons in its nucleus.
3. Step 3: Clarify the classification of oxygen in the periodic table. Oxygen is not a noble gas; it is a chalcogen (group 16 element) and is reactive, readily forming compounds with many other elements.
4. Step 4: Recognize the correct physical description of oxygen at room temperature. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas under standard conditions, which is a key characteristic distinguishing it from other gases.
5. Step 5: Summarize the true statement: Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature, which aligns with its physical properties and common knowledge in chemistry.