Chapter EH, Problem 47R

Solution

Interpretation : High ozone concentrations are harmful at ground level but beneficial in the upper atmosphere is to be explained.

Concept Introduction : Three oxygen atoms are contained in each molecule of ozone, an allotrope of oxygen. At room temperature, ozone is a gas.

Ozone at ground level reacts with heat and light and produces oxides that are hazardous to humanity whereas in the upper atmosphere it protects the radiation from the sun.

Ozone gas can be recognized by its faint blue tinge and distinctive scent in a downpour or near a high-voltage electric motor.

The ozone at the ground level reacts with the sunlight.

The nitrogen oxides ( $N{O}_x$ ) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) combine in a variety of ways to produce ground ozone when heat and light are present.

Due to this reason, ground-level ozone is hazardous to people and high risk for people with respiratory problems.

Ozone in the stratosphere, the upper atmosphere, is good for people.

It guards us against the sun's UV rays. It serves as a barrier, defending living things.

As a result, the weakening of the ozone layer surrounding the Earth is a significant issue that must be resolved soon.