Which type of radiation is responsible for the dissociation of ozone?

Ultraviolet radiation is the correct answer because it carries enough energy to break the bonds between oxygen and ozone molecules. Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere plays a critical role in blocking harmful UV radiation from the sun. When UV radiation is absorbed by ozone, it can cause the ozone molecules to dissociate into molecular oxygen (O2) and monatomic oxygen (O). This process is essential in the natural cycle of ozone formation and degradation and underlines the importance of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth from excessive UV exposure, which can lead to various harmful effects, including skin cancer and other ecological impacts.

Other forms of radiation such as X-rays and visible light lack the energy required for this chemical dissociation process, and while infrared radiation can affect molecular vibrations and transitions, it does not have the necessary energy to break molecular bonds in ozone. Thus, ultraviolet radiation is uniquely positioned in the electromagnetic spectrum to facilitate the dissociation of ozone.