The element that has an atomic number of 8 is oxygen. Oxygen is a vital element for life on Earth and is essential for respiration in most living organisms.
In the periodic table, elements are arranged by their atomic number, which is the number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom. For oxygen, this means it has 8 protons. In its natural state, oxygen usually exists as a diatomic molecule (O2), where two oxygen atoms bond together.
Oxygen is not only important for respiration but also plays a crucial role in various chemical reactions, including combustion and oxidation processes. Its abundance and essential nature make it one of the most significant elements in biology and chemistry.