Ózonképzdés

Ózonképzdés refers to the process of ozone formation. Ozone (O3) is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It is a crucial component of the Earth's atmosphere, particularly in the stratosphere, where it forms the ozone layer.

The primary mechanism for ozone formation in the stratosphere is photochemical. It begins with the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun by molecular oxygen (O2). This high-energy UV radiation breaks apart the O2 molecule into two individual oxygen atoms (O). These free oxygen atoms are highly reactive and can then collide with other O2 molecules. During these collisions, a third oxygen atom attaches to an O2 molecule, forming ozone (O3). This process can be represented by the following simplified chemical equations:

O2 + UV radiation -> O + O

O + O2 -> O3

This continuous cycle of ozone formation and destruction in the stratosphere, known as the ozone-oxygen cycle, maintains a relatively stable concentration of ozone, which effectively absorbs most of the harmful UV-B radiation from the sun.

In the troposphere, the lower layer of the atmosphere, ozone can also form, but this is often considered a pollutant. Tropospheric ozone is typically formed through chemical reactions involving sunlight, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released from sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. This process is part of the formation of photochemical smog and can have negative impacts on human health and the environment.