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Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Why does oxygen have the wrong name? | ELEMENTS
Sep 18, 2024
Dive into the whimsical world of element names, where history and culture collide! Discover why oxygen's name is a bit misleading and learn about elements named after mischievous mythological beings. Unearth the quirky origin stories that connect elements like tungsten and cobalt to miners’ folklore. Plus, explore how a small Swedish village inspired multiple element names. This enlightening journey reveals how language shapes our understanding of chemistry in unexpected ways.
46:57
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Quick takeaways
- The names of elements often reflect historical beliefs and cultural influences, revealing how language has shaped scientific terminology.
- Many elements are named after mythological figures, highlighting the connection between science and historical narratives.
Deep dives
The Origins of Hydrogen and Oxygen
Hydrogen, the first element on the periodic table, derives its name from the Greek word for 'water generator' because it forms water when combined with oxygen. The 'gen' suffix indicates formation, which is a key aspect of many elemental names. Oxygen is linked to the Greek word 'oxys', meaning 'acid', giving it the nickname 'acid generator', stemming from historical beliefs about its necessity in forming acids. For instance, earlier terminology referred to oxygen as 'deflogisticated air' based on the now-obsolete phlogiston theory that suggested a hidden substance was responsible for combustion.
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