What happens to ozone (O3) when it is exposed to ultraviolet radiation?

• A. It forms carbon dioxide
• B. It splits into oxygen (O2) and a single oxygen atom
• C. It increases in concentration
• D. It stabilizes into a liquid form

Answer: (B)

When ozone (O3) is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it undergoes a process known as photodissociation, where the UV light provides sufficient energy to break the ozone molecule apart. This results in the formation of two oxygen atoms, which can be represented as O2 (diatomic oxygen) and a free oxygen atom (O). This reaction is a significant part of the ozone layer's role in blocking harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth's surface.

The behavior of ozone when exposed to UV light is a critical factor in environmental science and atmospheric chemistry, as it helps explain the protective function of the ozone layer. Consequently, understanding this interaction is vital for grasping the implications of ozone depletion and the impacts on ecological health and atmospheric conditions.