Ozone

Definition

Ozone is a triatomic molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (O$_3$). It plays a crucial role in absorbing ultraviolet radiation in the Earth's stratosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ozone is formed when dioxygen (O$_2$) molecules are broken down by ultraviolet light or electrical discharges and recombine with other O$_2$ molecules.
2. Ozone is both beneficial and harmful: it protects life on Earth from UV radiation in the stratosphere but is a pollutant at ground level.
3. In industrial settings, ozone can be generated by passing oxygen through a high-voltage electric field or using ultraviolet radiation.
4. Ozone reacts readily with many substances, making it a powerful oxidizing agent used in water purification and bleaching processes.
5. The concentration of ozone is measured in Dobson Units when discussing its presence in the stratosphere.

Review Questions

• What are the two primary methods by which ozone is formed?
• In which layer of the atmosphere does ozone provide protection against ultraviolet radiation?
• What industrial applications utilize ozone due to its strong oxidizing properties?

Related terms

Oxygen:

A diatomic molecule (O$_2$) essential for respiration and combustion.

Ultraviolet Radiation: A type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible light, capable of breaking molecular bonds.

Oxidizing Agent:

A substance that gains electrons in a chemical reaction and, in doing so, causes another substance to be oxidized.