What is the major function of ozone in the stratosphere?

What is the major function of ozone in the stratosphere?

• A. Absorb and reflect UV rays from the sun
• B. Warm the atmosphere
• C. Trap infrared radiation
• D. Absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun

Answer: (D)

The major function is to absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun, acting as a protective shield for life on Earth. Ozone molecules (O3) in the stratosphere specifically absorb most of the sun’s harmful UV-C and UV-B radiation, which helps prevent DNA damage in living organisms and reduces skin cancer risk and other UV-related harms. This absorption also heats the surrounding air, helping to warm the stratosphere, but the primary purpose is blocking UV radiation from reaching the surface. The idea of reflecting UV rays isn’t accurate, and trapping infrared radiation is a role of other greenhouse gases rather than ozone. So the best description is that ozone absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun.

The major function is to absorb ultraviolet rays from the sun, acting as a protective shield for life on Earth. Ozone molecules (O3) in the stratosphere specifically absorb most of the sun’s harmful UV-C and UV-B radiation, which helps prevent DNA damage in living organisms and reduces skin cancer risk and other UV-related harms. This absorption also heats the surrounding air, helping to warm the stratosphere, but the primary purpose is blocking UV radiation from reaching the surface. The idea of reflecting UV rays isn’t accurate, and trapping infrared radiation is a role of other greenhouse gases rather than ozone. So the best description is that ozone absorbs ultraviolet rays from the sun.