Ozone is a molecule made up of ________ oxygen atoms. |
four two one three |
three |
The correct answer is option 4. three. Ozone (\(O_3\)) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. The oxygen we breathe, which is diatomic oxygen (\(O_2\)), consists of two oxygen atoms sharing a double bond. Ozone, on the other hand, is a triatomic molecule formed by the presence of a third oxygen atom. Ozone is typically formed in the Earth's stratosphere through the action of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. The process involves the dissociation of diatomic oxygen (\(O_2\)) into two oxygen atoms, and these oxygen atoms then combine with other \(O_2\) molecules to form \(O_3\) (ozone). \[ O_2 + UV \rightarrow 2O \] \[ O + O_2 \rightarrow O_3 \] \[ \text{O} - \text{O} - \text{O} \] In summary, ozone is a triatomic molecule made up of three oxygen atoms (\(O_3\)). Its presence in the stratosphere is crucial for the protection of life on Earth by shielding against harmful UV radiation from the Sun. |