Here's the breakdown:
* Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a pollutant released mainly from car exhaust and industrial processes.
* Sunlight provides the energy for the chemical reaction to occur.
* The reaction: Sunlight breaks apart NO₂ molecules, releasing oxygen atoms (O). These highly reactive oxygen atoms then combine with oxygen molecules (O₂) to form ozone (O₃).
This process is known as photochemical smog, a type of air pollution that is common in urban areas. Ozone is a major component of photochemical smog and can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
