What is the primary function of ozone in the stratosphere?
To absorb carbon dioxide
To prevent harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth's surface
To increase the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere
To trap pollutants in the upper atmosphere
Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms that is present in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly in the stratosphere, which is the layer of the atmosphere located above the troposphere.
One of the primary functions of ozone in the stratosphere is to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The Earth's atmosphere is constantly bombarded by UV radiation from the sun, which can be harmful to living organisms. UV radiation can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems in humans, as well as damage to plants and animals.
Ozone in the stratosphere acts as a shield against harmful UV radiation by absorbing it and converting it into heat. This prevents most of the harmful UV radiation from reaching the Earth's surface and helps protect living organisms from its effects.