What is the function of ozone in the upper atmosphere?
What is the function of ozone in the upper atmosphere?
Official answer
Ozone () in the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) shields the surface of the Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation coming from the Sun, which can otherwise cause skin cancer and other damaging effects in living organisms.
Marking scheme
- 1.Stating that it shields/protects the Earth's surface from ultraviolet (UV) radiation of the Sun: 0.5 mark
- 2.Mentioning that it prevents damage to organisms (e.g., preventing skin cancer): 0.5 mark
Hint
Think about what type of solar radiation ozone blocks and what health issue this radiation causes in humans.
Quick oral answer
Ozone in the upper atmosphere absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, protecting living organisms on Earth from damage like skin cancer.
Common mistakes
- 1.Confusing ozone's role in the upper atmosphere with its toxic nature at ground level.
- 2.Stating that ozone absorbs infrared radiation or greenhouse gases instead of UV radiation.
Analysis and explanation
According to the NCERT text, ozone () is a deadly poison at ground level, but at higher levels of the atmosphere, it performs an essential protective function. It acts as a shield that absorbs high-energy ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun. This prevents the radiation from reaching the Earth's surface, where it would otherwise cause severe damage to organisms, such as skin cancer in human beings.
Interesting facts
While ozone is a protective shield high up in the stratosphere, at ground level it is a highly reactive pollutant and a deadly poison.
Question details
Q3 of 36 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2015
- 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 2015?
This question carries 1 mark in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 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 2015 paper?
This is a Very Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2015 paper.