Ozone

Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms, with a bent structure and strong oxidizing ability. It occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is also produced by electrical discharges and ultraviolet light.

Ozone–oxygen cycle: The linked reactions by which ultraviolet light forms ozone from oxygen and breaks ozone back into oxygen. This cycle continually creates and removes ozone in the stratosphere.
Ozonation: The treatment of water or air by introducing ozone to oxidize contaminants or inactivate microorganisms. Ozonation applies ozone’s reactivity in treatment systems.
Atmospheric chemistry: The study of chemical composition and reactions in Earth’s atmosphere. Atmospheric chemistry explains how ozone forms, moves, and reacts in air.
Ozone layer: The region of the stratosphere containing elevated ozone concentrations that absorb much of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Stratospheric ozone reduces harmful ultraviolet exposure at Earth’s surface.
Dioxygen: A molecule composed of two oxygen atoms, O₂, that makes up about one-fifth of Earth’s atmosphere. Ozone’s three-atom structure and reactivity distinguish it from the usual atmospheric form of oxygen.
Photolysis: The breaking of chemical bonds when a molecule absorbs light. Ultraviolet photolysis splits oxygen molecules and also destroys ozone.
Water disinfection: The inactivation or removal of disease-causing microorganisms in water. Ozone can disinfect water without leaving a persistent disinfectant residual.
Chapman cycle: A set of reactions describing the formation and destruction of stratospheric ozone from molecular oxygen and sunlight. It provides the basic natural photochemical account of stratospheric ozone.
Ozone depletion: The reduction of stratospheric ozone, especially from reactions involving human-made chlorine- and bromine-containing compounds. Depletion weakens the atmospheric shield that ozone provides.
Atomic oxygen: A highly reactive oxygen atom that occurs transiently in the atmosphere and in other energetic environments. Atomic oxygen participates in ozone formation and destruction but is not a stable ozone molecule.

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