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Question

Presence of ozone in the atmosphere is important because it absorbs

The correct answer is
ultraviolet-B radiations only

Ozone Importance: UV-B Radiation Absorption

The ozone layer, located in the Earth's stratosphere, plays a critical role in protecting life.

Key Function: Ozone (O3) molecules are highly effective at absorbing specific wavelengths of the sun's radiation.

  • Ozone primarily absorbs harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiations.
  • This absorption prevents most UV-B rays from reaching the Earth's surface.
  • UV-B radiation is associated with negative health effects like sunburn, skin cancer, and cataracts, as well as damage to plants and marine ecosystems.

While ozone also absorbs some ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation, its most significant protective function is against the more damaging UV-B wavelengths.

Conclusion: The absorption of ultraviolet-B radiations only by atmospheric ozone is crucial for life on Earth.

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Important Questions from Ozone Layer Depletion

  1. Which of the following is a catalytically inactive (or reservoir) molecule containing chlorine in stratosphere?
  2. Choose the correct statement(s)

    A. O$_3$ in stratosphere is not completely effective in shielding us from UV-B
    B. UV-A is biologically least harmful.
    C. Chapman mechanism deals with only O$_3$ formation in stratosphere.
    D. Sunscreen lotions either reflect or absorb or scatter UV-B and UV-A
    E. UV-B helps in dissociation of O$_3$ molecule in stratosphere.

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below.
  3. Ozone layer depletion is a major phenomenon in :

  4. With regard to ozone depletion over Antarctica, select the false statement :
  5. Atmospheric life times of CFCs is typically in the range :
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