Final answer:
In tropospheric ozone production, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight to form ozone (O₃). Tropospheric ozone is a pollutant and contributes to photochemical smog.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main reactants in ozone production in the troposphere are oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These reactants undergo chemical reactions in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone, which is a significant component of photochemical smog. The ozone formation process can be summarized by the following steps:
- Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from sources such as cars, power plants, and industrial activities.
- In the presence of sunlight, these pollutants chemically react to form oxygen radicals.
- The oxygen radicals then react with molecular oxygen (O₂) to produce ozone (O₃).
- Ozone (O₃) can also react with another oxygen radical or absorb UV radiation to form molecular oxygen (O₂) and release an oxygen atom (O), continuing the cycle.
It's important to note that while stratospheric ozone protects against ultraviolet radiation, tropospheric or ground-level ozone contributes to air pollution and can have harmful effects on respiratory health, crops, and ecosystems.