Write the essential function performed by ozone at the higher levels of the atmosphere. How is it formed in…
Write the essential function performed by ozone at the higher levels of the atmosphere. How is it formed in the upper atmosphere ? Write the name of the group of chemicals mainly responsible for the depletion of ozone layer.
Solution
• Ozone (O3) shields the surface of earth from Ultra violet (UV) radiation which are highly damaging to organisms (may cause skin cancer).
• Ultra violet (UV) radiations split apart some molecular oxygen (O2) into free oxygen (O) atoms. These atoms then combine with molecular oxygen to form ozone. /
O2 —UV→ O + O
O + O2 → O3 (Ozone)
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)/ freons