What is the process through which ozone is formed?

Ozone formation primarily occurs through a process known as the ozone-oxygen cycle, which involves the interaction of sunlight with molecular oxygen (O2). When ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun strikes an oxygen molecule, it splits the molecule into two individual oxygen atoms. These free oxygen atoms can then react with another oxygen molecule to form ozone (O3). This transformation is a crucial part of the atmospheric chemistry that protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful UV radiation.

The presence of the additional oxygen atom in ozone is what makes it distinct from diatomic oxygen. Ozone is a powerful oxidant and plays an essential role in the stratosphere where it forms the ozone layer, which serves as a shield that protects living organisms on the planet.

Understanding this formation process is vital for comprehending broader topics related to air quality, climate change, and the significance of the ozone layer in environmental science.