Final answer:
Ozone is produced in the troposphere through the oxidation of stable gases by OH radicals. This process occurs when pollutants emitted by various sources such as cars, power plants, and industrial facilities chemically react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. The chemical reactions between these pollutants lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ozone is produced in the troposphere through the oxidation of stable gases by OH radicals. This process occurs when pollutants emitted by various sources such as cars, power plants, and industrial facilities chemically react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. The chemical reactions between these pollutants lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.
For example, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds can react to form peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs), which can decompose and release OH radicals. These OH radicals then react with stable gases, such as carbon monoxide (CO) or methane (CH4), in a chain reaction process, eventually leading to the production of ozone.