UV radiation from sunlight causes the reaction with atmospheric oxygen to produce which of the following? 

The correct answer is Ozone Molecule.

Key Points

• UV radiation from sunlight interacts with oxygen molecules (O₂) in the atmosphere to form ozone (O₃).
• This process involves the splitting of an oxygen molecule into two separate oxygen atoms by UV light.
• These single oxygen atoms can then react with other oxygen molecules to form ozone.
• Ozone is crucial for absorbing and blocking the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Additional Information

• Stratospheric Ozone:
  • The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, approximately 10 to 30 kilometers above the Earth's surface.
  • It plays a vital role in protecting living organisms by filtering out harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation from the sun.
• Photodissociation:
  • This is the process by which a chemical compound is broken down by photons, such as UV radiation.
  • In the context of ozone formation, photodissociation refers to the breaking of O₂ molecules into individual oxygen atoms.
• Ozone Depletion:
  • Ozone depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer, primarily caused by human-made chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
  • This reduction in ozone can lead to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, causing health and environmental issues.
• Ozone in the Troposphere:
  • While ozone in the stratosphere is beneficial, ozone at ground level (troposphere) is a pollutant and a key component of smog.
  • Ground-level ozone can cause respiratory problems and other health issues in humans and animals.