What happens when UV light strikes an ozone molecule?

• A. It causes ozone to absorb UV rays
• B. It provides energy to split ozone into oxygen and a single oxygen atom
• C. It has no effect on ozone molecules
• D. It increases ozone concentration in the atmosphere

Answer: (B)

When UV light strikes an ozone molecule, it provides the energy necessary to break the chemical bonds within the ozone (O3) molecule. This process results in the splitting of the ozone molecule into a diatomic oxygen molecule (O2) and a free, single oxygen atom (O). This reaction is a crucial part of the ozone-oxygen cycle that occurs in the stratosphere.

The ozone layer plays a vital role in absorbing the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, and this interaction allows for the conversion of UV energy into chemical energy, which leads to the breakdown of ozone. Understanding this process is essential for comprehending the dynamics of atmospheric chemistry and the protective functions of the ozone layer.