The chemical formula for ozone is O3. This means each ozone molecule is composed of three oxygen atoms.
Understanding Ozone's Composition
Ozone is an allotrope of oxygen, meaning it's a different form of the same element (oxygen) but with a different molecular structure. Unlike typical oxygen (O2), which we breathe, ozone has three oxygen atoms bonded together. This structural difference gives ozone its unique properties, including its ability to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the stratosphere and its role as both a beneficial and harmful gas depending on its location in the atmosphere.
- Stratospheric Ozone: This "good" ozone layer high in the atmosphere protects life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. It's formed naturally through the interaction of solar UV radiation with molecular oxygen (O2).
- Tropospheric Ozone: This "bad" ozone is found at ground level and is a major component of smog. It's not directly emitted but is created through chemical reactions between pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
Ozone's Properties and Uses
Ozone is a pale blue gas with a pungent odor. It's a powerful oxidizing agent, meaning it readily reacts with other substances, often leading to their oxidation. This property has led to its use in various applications, including:
- Water purification: Ozone effectively disinfects water by oxidizing harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Industrial processes: Ozone's oxidizing power is used in various industrial processes, such as bleaching and deodorizing.
- Medical applications: While less common now, ozone has been explored for certain medical applications due to its antimicrobial properties.
The references cited confirm the O3 formula and highlight ozone's presence in different atmospheric layers and its varied effects.
