how is ozone in the atmosphere formed?
Schematic representation of the photochemical ozone formation and destruction. Ozone is a gas found in the atmosphere consisting of three oxygen atoms: O 3. Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when energetic ultraviolet (UV) radiation dissociates molecules of oxygen, O 2, into separate oxygen atoms. Free oxygen atoms can recombine to form oxygen molecules but if a free oxygen atom collides with an oxygen molecule, it joins up, forming ozone.
Ozone is a molecule made up of three oxygen atoms, often referenced as O3. Ozone is formed when heat and sunlight cause chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOX) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are also known as Hydrocarbons. This reaction can occur both near the ground and high in the atmosphere.