Both good and bad ozone are similar because they are made up of the same chemical substance: O3. According to the provided reference, the ozone gas in both the upper atmosphere (where it's "good") and near the Earth's surface (where it's "bad") is chemically identical, comprised of three oxygen atoms.
Here's a simple breakdown:
| Feature | Good Ozone (Stratospheric) | Bad Ozone (Tropospheric) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | O3 | O3 |
| Location | Upper atmosphere | Near Earth's surface |
| Effect | Beneficial to life | Harmful to life |
While the chemical composition is identical, the location and effect of ozone determine whether it's considered "good" or "bad". Good ozone in the stratosphere protects us from harmful UV radiation, while bad ozone at ground level is a pollutant that can cause respiratory problems.
