Ozone is formed in the atmosphere through a two-step process involving sunlight and oxygen molecules.
- Step 1: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun breaks apart an oxygen molecule (O2) into two individual oxygen atoms.
- Step 2: Each oxygen atom then collides with another oxygen molecule, forming an ozone molecule (O3).
This natural process primarily occurs in the stratosphere, creating the "ozone layer" that protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation.
Ozone can also be formed at ground level through chemical reactions involving pollutants emitted from sources like vehicles and factories. This ground-level ozone is considered a harmful air pollutant.
