Why is liquid oxygen very cold?

Liquid oxygen is pale blue and extremely cold. Although non-flammable, oxygen is a strong oxidizer. Oxygen is necessary to support life. Oxygen will react with nearly all organic materials and metals, usually forming an oxide. Materials that burn in air will burn more vigorously in oxygen. Equipment used in oxygen service must meet stringent cleaning requirements, and systems must be constructed of materials that have high ignition temperatures and that are nonreactive with oxygen under the service conditions. Vessels should be manufactured to American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) codes and designed to withstand the process temperatures and pressures. Liquid oxygen is a cryogenic liquid. Cryogenic liquids are liquefied gases that have a normal boiling point below –130°F (–90°C). Liquid oxygen has a boiling point of –297°F (–183°C). Because the temperature difference between the product and the surrounding environment is substantial—even in the winter—keeping liquid oxygen insulated from the surrounding heat is essential. The product also requires special equipment for handling and storage

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