In the stratosphere, ozone (O_3) serves as a protective layer by absorbing high-energy ult… — JAMB UTME

In the stratosphere, ozone ( $O_3$ ) serves as a protective layer by absorbing high-energy ultraviolet radiation, whereas in the troposphere, ozone functions as an air pollutant and a greenhouse gas.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is True.

The statement is correct because stratospheric ozone acts as a vital protective shield against biologically damaging solar ultraviolet radiation, while tropospheric ozone traps outgoing terrestrial heat radiation, thereby functioning as a greenhouse gas and pollutant.

Step-by-Step Solution

Examine the function of ozone (

O_3

) in the stratosphere.

Stratospheric ozone filters out harmful solar ultraviolet (

UV-B

and

UV-C

) radiation through photolytic dissociation reactions.

UV radiation breaks the bonds in ozone molecules, dissipating the radiation energy as heat before it reaches the surface.

Examine the role of ozone (

O_3

) in the troposphere.

Near ground level, tropospheric ozone absorbs thermal infrared (

IR

) radiation emitted by the Earth, contributing to radiative forcing and global warming.

Tropospheric ozone possesses vibrational modes that absorb outgoing terrestrial heat energy, acting as a greenhouse gas.

Compare the dual impacts of atmospheric ozone.

Ozone is beneficial in the stratosphere ('good ozone') but toxic and warming in the troposphere ('bad ozone').

The environmental effect of ozone depends strictly on its atmospheric region.

Key Concept

Dual Environmental Roles of Stratospheric and Tropospheric Ozone

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