Ozone Formation by UV Light

Tổng quan

Ultraviolet radiation (wavelength < 240 nm) splits O₂ molecules in the stratosphere. The resulting oxygen atoms combine with intact O₂ to form ozone (O₃). This Chapman cycle creates the ozone layer at 15–35 km altitude, which absorbs 97–99% of UV-B and UV-C radiation that would otherwise damage DNA.

Người tham gia

Ví dụ thực tế

The ozone layer protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. Without it, rates of skin cancer and cataracts would skyrocket.

Tầm quan trọng công nghiệp

The Montreal Protocol (1987) banned CFCs that destroy ozone. Ozone generators are used for water purification and air treatment.