Question

What does the Ozone layer act as?
A. Natural sunblock
B. Artificial block
C. Semi-natural
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The ozone layer is an important part of the Earth’s atmosphere composed of inorganic gaseous molecules of ozone (\[O_3\]). The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere region at an approximate altitude of 15-40 kilometers above sea level.

Complete step-by-step answer:
The ozone layer protects all the living organisms on the Earth from the harmful rays of the Sun. Life on Earth would be nearly impossible without the presence of this particular layer in the atmosphere. It prevents the harmful Ultraviolet rays or UV rays of the Sun from entering the Earth’s atmosphere. Many plants which act as primary food sources for many organisms would stop producing food if directly exposed to the UV rays. Human beings and animals when exposed directly to UV rays can get affected with skin cancer. Zooplanktons and phytoplanktons, the most important organisms of the ocean ecosystem, cannot survive in higher exposure to UV rays. The ozone layer is created naturally when the sun’s rays act upon the oxygen molecules (\[O_2\]) and split them into two single oxygen atoms each. Then these single atoms of oxygen react with the oxygen molecule (\[O_2\]) in the atmosphere to form \[O_3\]. Thus, the ozone layer acts as a natural sun-blocking agent.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Ozone is like a double-edged sword! It can protect or harm the creatures of Earth depending upon the region in the atmosphere it is found. In the stratosphere, it will act as a protector from the UV rays but if it is found in the lower regions of the atmosphere like the Troposphere, it will act as an extremely harmful pollutant. It can even cause serious damage to plant and animal tissues.