The correct option is A Assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
The ozone layer is the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere above the Earth's surface.
It is composed of ozone gas. The ozone has three oxygen atoms, and ozone is formed as a result of the action of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation on oxygen molecules.
The UV radiation causes the photodissociation of ozone into O2 and O. But O2 and O recombine to form ozone (O3). This ozone dynamics dissipates the energy of UV as heat. There is always an equilibrium between generation and destruction of O3. This leads to a steady state concentration of the ozone layer in the stratosphere between 20 - 26 km above sea level.
Stratospheric ozone plays a vital role by protecting the living organisms from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. It acts as a shield and absorbs UV radiation from the sun. The depletion of the ozone layer allows harmful UV radiation which can affect life on the Earth.
The UV radiations are of three types: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C.
UV-A passes through the ozone layer and reach the earth’s surface. Most of the UV-B is absorbed by the ozone layer, yet some does reach the earth’s surface. UV-C is potentially dangerous, but fortunately it is absorbed by the ozone layer in the stratosphere and never reaches the earth’s surface.
Hence, assertion and reason are true, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.