Ozone


by Krish Beachoo on Aug 9, 2021

Image: https://unsplash.com/@imgly
Edu Level: NCSE


Description

The Ozon layer serves as a safeguard, blocking and protecting the Earth from harmful UV rays, typically at a rate of approximately 98%. Composed of a highly reactive molecule known as Ozone, the Ozone Layer consists of three oxygen atoms. Acting as a protective shield, the ozone layer absorbs UV radiation, causing the molecule to split into an oxygen atom and a molecule. The oxygen atom rapidly moves and reunites with an oxygen molecule, generating heat in the process. Essentially, the Ozon layer converts UV rays into heat.

Depletion of the Ozone Layer

The Ozone layer is depleted by Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are present in refrigerants, aerosols, and plastics. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs are exposed to UV rays, breaking them down into Chlorine. This Chlorine then strips oxygen atoms from Ozone, leading to the depletion of the Ozone layer.

Thinnest Ozone Layer area

Currently, the Ozone layer is most severely depleted in Antarctica. This occurs due to the acceleration of the CFC process caused by the low temperatures in that region.

Ozone: Air

For every 10,000,000 air molecules, there are three Ozone molecules present.


Christopher Seebaran (pc)

Spot an error? Fill out this form to inform us!