Compared to oxygen, how stable is ozone?

• A. More stable
• B. Equally stable
• C. Less stable
• D. It varies with temperature

Answer: (C)

Ozone is less stable than oxygen due to its molecular structure. Ozone (O₃) consists of three oxygen atoms, which creates a weaker bond compared to the two oxygen atoms in diatomic oxygen (O₂). The extra oxygen atom in ozone makes it more reactive and prone to breaking apart, especially when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light or certain chemicals. This instability is a crucial factor in ozone's role in the atmosphere: while it provides benefits such as absorbing harmful UV radiation, its reactive nature can also lead to negative environmental effects, including the formation of smog at ground level.

In contrast, oxygen is a stable molecule that has a strong double bond between its two atoms, allowing it to exist comfortably in our atmosphere without reacting significantly under normal conditions. This fundamental difference in chemical stability is key to understanding the behavior and applications of both gases in various environmental and industrial contexts.

The other options do not accurately reflect the inherent properties of these molecules; ozone cannot be considered more or equally stable compared to oxygen, nor does its stability vary significantly with temperature in a way that would contradict its general reactivity.