What is the chemical symbol for oxygen?

The chemical symbol for oxygen is represented by the letter O. This symbol is derived from the element's name, which is rooted in the Greek word "oxus," meaning "acid," combined with "genes," meaning "producer" or "origin." Oxygen is a crucial element for life on Earth, constituting a significant part of the atmosphere and being essential for the process of respiration in living organisms.

In chemical notation, each element is assigned a unique one- or two-letter symbol, following the conventions set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The use of O specifically denotes oxygen, distinguishing it from other elements in the periodic table.

The other options represent symbols for different elements: C denotes carbon, B stands for boron, and N is the symbol for nitrogen. Each of these elements plays a different role in both chemistry and biology, highlighting the importance of using the correct symbols for clear communication in scientific contexts.