Which of the following is not a method of preparing oxygen? A. Electrolysis of water B. Fractional distillation of liquid air C. Decomposition of potassium permanganate D. Decomposition of manganese dioxide

Electrolysis of water
Fractional distillation of liquid air
Decomposition of potassium permanganate
Decomposition of manganese dioxide

The correct answer is C. Decomposition of potassium permanganate.

Oxygen can be prepared by a number of methods, including:

  • Electrolysis of water: This method involves passing an electric current through water, which causes the water to break down into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Fractional distillation of liquid air: This method involves cooling air until it turns into a liquid, and then separating the oxygen from the other gases in the air using a process called distillation.
  • Decomposition of manganese dioxide: This method involves heating manganese dioxide, which causes it to release oxygen.

Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound with the formula KMnO4. It is a dark purple solid that is soluble in water. Potassium permanganate is a strong oxidizing agent, and it can be used to prepare oxygen by decomposing it. However, this method is not very efficient, and it is not commonly used to prepare oxygen.

The other methods listed are all more efficient methods of preparing oxygen. Electrolysis of water is the most common method of preparing oxygen, and it is used in many industrial applications. Fractional distillation of liquid air is a more expensive method, but it is used to prepare high-purity oxygen.