Question

Ozone (O3) in the atmosphere protects against harmful UV radiation. Its formation proceeds in two steps and is initiated when molecular oxygen (O2) splits into two oxygen atoms upon absorption of UV light. Which of the following would be the second step if ozone formation goes to completion?

A.O + O2 → O3
B.2O + 2O2 → 2O3
C.3O2 → 2O3
D.O + 2O2 → O3

Answer 1

The second step of ozone formation is the reaction of an oxygen atom (O) with a molecule of oxygen (O2) to form ozone (O3), making option A the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation of ozone (O3) in the atmosphere occurs in two steps, with the first step being the splitting of molecular oxygen (O2) into two oxygen atoms (O) upon absorption of UV light. The second step in this process is the reaction of one of these oxygen atoms with another molecule of oxygen (O2) to form ozone (O3). Therefore, the correct answer to the question 'Which of the following would be the second step if ozone formation goes to completion?' is A. O + O2 → O3.

Answer 2

The second step in the formation of ozone if it goes to completion is O + O2 → O3.

The second step in the formation of ozone (O3) in the atmosphere, if it goes to completion, is represented by the reaction: O + O2 → O3 (Option A).

This step involves an oxygen atom (O) combining with an oxygen molecule (O2) to form ozone (O3).

This reaction occurs after the initial step in which molecular oxygen (O2) splits into two oxygen atoms upon absorption of UV light.