Most atmospheric ozone is concentrated in a layer in the stratosphere , about 9 to 18 miles (15 to 30 km) above the Earth’s surface (see the figure below). Ozone is a molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. At any given time, ozone molecules are constantly formed and destroyed in the stratosphere.
Which zone is rich in ozone?
Stratosphere is the zone of atmosphere which is rich in ozone gas.
Where is o3 found?
Ozone location.
Most ozone resides in the lower stratosphere in what is commonly known as the “ozone layer.” The remaining ozone, about 10%, is found in the troposphere, which is the lowest region of the atmosphere, between Earth’s sur- face and the stratosphere.
Where is most good ozone located?
Called stratospheric ozone, good ozone occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere , where it forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
What will happen if ozone gas is present in atmosphere?
High in the stratosphere, ozone acts as a protection from UV light . Without this protective shield, all animal life (not just humans) would be more susceptible to cancer, impaired immune systems, and eye problems like cataracts. If the ozone is close to the Earth and we breathe it in, ozone can damage our lungs.
Why is ozone above oxygen?
Up in the higher reaches of the atmosphere, ozone is constantly being created due to all that sunlight constantly slamming into oxygen molecules and breaking them apart . That’s why the ozone concentration is higher up there than it is back on Earth.
Is ozone safe to breathe?
When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs . Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.
What does ozone smell like?
Here are some of the ways the smell of ozone is described:
Like a burning wire . Like chlorine . A “clean” smell . Sweet and pungent .
Can ozone be created?
Ozone generators can create ozone artificially by means of extremely high voltages or by means of UV-light. Both methods involve the decomposition of the oxygen molecule. This causes oxygen radical formation. These oxygen radicals can bind to oxygen molecules, forming ozone (O 3 ).
What are the 2 types of ozone?
Ozone or “O3” is a colorless gas composed of three atoms of oxygen (O3). There are two types of ozone, both “good” ozone and “bad” ozone .
How can you tell if you are being affected by ozone?
People exposed to elevated levels of ozone may experience a variety of symptoms. The most common symptom is a feeling of irritation in the eyes, nose and throat . Some people may also experience respiratory or heart symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing.
What is a good ozone level?
Good ( 0-50 ) It’s a great day to be active outside. Moderate (51-100) Some people who may be un- usually sensitive to ozone. Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
How is ozone useful to us?
Why is Ozone Layer important? Ozone protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the Sun . Without the Ozone layer in the atmosphere, life on Earth would be very difficult. ... With a weakening of the Ozone Layer shield, humans would be more susceptible to skin cancer, cataracts and impaired immune systems.
How is bad ozone formed?
Bad Ozone.
Ground-level or “bad” ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight . ... Ground-level ozone also can reduce lung function and inflame the linings of the lungs.
What is the coldest layer of Earth’s atmosphere?
Located between about 50 and 80 kilometers (31 and 50 miles) above Earth’s surface, the mesosphere gets progressively colder with altitude. In fact, the top of this layer is the coldest place found within the Earth system, with an average temperature of about minus 85 degrees Celsius (minus 120 degrees Fahrenheit).
How is ozone different from oxygen?
Both diatomic ozone (O 2 ) and triatomic ozone (O 3 ) are made up of oxygen atoms but they have different chemical and physical properties. Oxygen is odorless while ozone has a strong, pungent odor. ... Ozone is chemically less stable compared with oxygen .
