Question

How is ozone formed at the higher levels of atmosphere?

Answer 1

Ozone:

1. Ozone which is also called trioxygen, is an inorganic molecule.
2. It has a chemical formula- O_3.
3. It is a colorless gas.
4. Ozone acts as a greenhouse gas.

Formation of ozone:

1. Ozone is maximally present in the stratosphere of the atmosphere.
2. In the atmosphere, the formation of ozone is a continuous process because UV rays have continuous action on the molecular oxygen.
3. In the presence of electrical discharges within the atmosphere, the UV rays break down molecular oxygen into nascent oxygen.
4. The nascent oxygen then combines with the molecular oxygen to form an ozone molecule.

Reaction that follows this process:

O₂ → O + O

O₂ + O → O₃ (ozone)

Importance of ozone:

1. Ozone layer is very essential for the survival of organisms on this earth.
2. Ozone layer absorbs maximum ultraviolet (UV) rays coming from the sun thus, protecting us from various skin diseases and cataracts caused due to UV rays.
3. UV rays also affect the process of photosynthesis very adversely, and the ozone layer protects the plants from this adverse effect.