What does UV radiation dissociate ozone into?

The breakdown of ozone (O₃) by UV radiation results in its dissociation into an oxygen atom (O) and an oxygen molecule (O₂). This reaction is critical in the stratospheric ozone layer, where UV radiation serves as a catalyst in this process. When UV light strikes an ozone molecule, it provides enough energy to break the bonds holding the three atoms of oxygen together. The outcome is the formation of a single free oxygen atom and a diatomic oxygen molecule.

This process plays a vital role in the ability of the ozone layer to absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, protecting living organisms on Earth from potential DNA damage and other harmful effects. The existence of free oxygen atoms contributes to the dynamic equilibrium of ozone formation and destruction in the atmosphere, highlighting the importance of UV radiation in maintaining this balance.

The other options do not accurately represent the products of ozone dissociation under UV radiation, as carbon dioxide and water molecules are unrelated to this specific chemical reaction involving ozone.