What is the function of ozone at the higher level of atmosphere?
What is the function of ozone at the higher level of atmosphere?
Official answer
At the higher levels of the atmosphere, ozone () performs an essential function by shielding the surface of the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the Sun. This radiation is highly damaging to living organisms and is known to cause skin cancer in human beings.
Marking scheme
- 1.Stating that it shields the Earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation: [0.5 mark]
- 2.Mentioning that it protects organisms from damage / prevents skin cancer: [0.5 mark]
Hint
Think about the protective shield in the stratosphere that blocks harmful solar rays causing skin cancer.
Quick oral answer
Ozone shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, which can cause skin cancer and damage plants and animals.
Common mistakes
- 1.Confusing ozone's role at ground level (where it is a pollutant/poison) with its protective role in the upper atmosphere.
- 2.Stating that ozone blocks infrared radiation or greenhouse gases instead of UV radiation.
Analysis and explanation
Ozone is a deadly poison at ground level, but in the stratosphere (higher atmosphere), it is formed when high-energy UV radiation splits molecular oxygen () into free oxygen atoms (), which then combine with to form . This layer acts as a protective shield absorbing harmful UV rays.
Interesting facts
Although ozone is a deadly poison at ground level, life on Earth could not exist without the stratospheric ozone layer shielding us from lethal solar UV radiation.
Question details
Q3 of 41 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2012
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 1
- Type
- Very Short Answer
- Chapter
- Our Environment
- Topic
- Ozone Layer and How it is Getting Depleted
- Bloom's level
- Remembering
- Syllabus topic
- Ozone depletion
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2012?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Ozone Layer and How it is Getting Depleted" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2012 paper.