Final answer:
Ozone is 4)extremely irritating to plants and animals and protects Earth by absorbing UV radiation from the sun, not microwave radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer about ozone is that it is extremely irritating to both plants and animals. Ozone, or O3, is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms and is highly reactive.
It exists in the stratosphere, where it forms the protective ozone layer that safeguards earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, particularly UVB rays.
UV radiation can be damaging to living organisms; for instance, increased levels due to ozone depletion are linked to skin cancers, cataracts, and harm to crops and marine life.
Rubber is not immune to ozone's corrosive qualities; in fact, materials like natural rubber can be significantly harmed by ozone, leading to hardening and cracking.
Ozone is not a reducing agent; rather, it is a powerful oxidizing agent. It does not protect Earth from microwave radiation, but specifically from ultraviolet radiation.
Therefore, the statement about ozone shielding against microwave radiation is incorrect. The protective role of stratospheric ozone is critical for life on earth.
Yet pollution through chemicals like CFCs has led to the thinning of this layer, particularly over the Antarctic, known as the ozone hole. Consequently.
More UV radiation reaches Earth, resulting in various ecological and health issues. Ground-level ozone, on the other hand, contributes to smog and pollution-related health problems.