1. UV radiation breaks apart oxygen molecules: When UV radiation hits an oxygen molecule (O2), it can have enough energy to break the bond between the two oxygen atoms. This creates two individual oxygen atoms (O).
2. Oxygen atoms combine with oxygen molecules: These single oxygen atoms are very reactive. They quickly combine with other oxygen molecules (O2) to form ozone (O3).
3. Ozone absorbs UV radiation: Ozone is a very effective absorber of UV radiation. When ozone absorbs UV radiation, it breaks down back into oxygen molecules (O2) and a single oxygen atom (O). This process continues, constantly creating and destroying ozone molecules.
This continuous cycle of ozone formation and breakdown is what creates and maintains the ozone layer, which shields life on Earth from harmful UV radiation.
