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When UV-C light reaches the stratosphere, it is completely absorbed by oxygen molecules and never reaches the Earth's surface.

Does oxygen block ultraviolet radiation?

By a fortunate evolutionary event, the oxygen produced by photosynthesis forms a filter in the outer reaches of our atmosphere that absorbs the most energetic and harmful UV radiation, with wavelengths below 240 nm (in the UVC band [wavelength 100-280 nm]).

What absorbs the ultraviolet radiation?

Ozone is a particularly effective absorber of UV radiation. As the ozone layer gets thinner, the protective filter activity of the atmosphere is progressively reduced. Consequently, the people and the environment are exposed to higher levels of UV radiation, especially UVB.

How ozone and oxygen filter the UV radiation?

When an ozone molecule absorbs UV-B, it comes apart into an oxygen molecule (O2) and a separate oxygen atom (O). Later, the two components can reform the ozone molecule (O3). By absorbing UV-B in the stratosphere, the ozone layer prevents harmful levels of this radiation from reaching Earth's surface.

How does oxygen turn into ozone?

In nature, oxygen is released from plants and sea plankton during photosynthesis. Oxygen floats upward into the atmosphere and in turn is converted into ozone by ultraviolet radiation. This blocks out the harmful UV b rays that cause skin cancer. The production of ozone is dependent on the amount of the sun's energy.

How does the presence of oxygen in our atmosphere help reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation that reaches the surface?

A freed oxygen atom then combines with another oxygen molecule to form a molecule of ozone. There is so much oxygen in our atmosphere, that these high-energy ultraviolet rays are completely absorbed in the stratosphere.

Which gas protects us from ultraviolet?

The ozone layer protects us from potentially harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Does UV light destroy ozone?

Ozone residuals are destroyed at UV light wavelengths ranging from 250 to 260 nm, while microorganism inactivation can be achieved at UV wavelengths ranging from 100 to 400 nm, although a wavelength of 254 nm is most effective.

Is O2 the same as ozone?

Ozone is an alternative version of oxygen. Oxygen or (O2) in the air we breathe is actually two molecules of oxygen attached together. Ozone is three atoms of oxygen attached together forming a molecule that is O3.

Are oxygen and ozone allotropes?

When one chemical element exists in two or more than two different forms, then the different forms in which the element exists are known as allotropes. Oxygen is a single element which exists in two state oxygen and ozone. Hence they both are allotropes.