How is ozone formed?

Answer 1

Ozone has molecular formula O3. Ozone is formed when monatomic oxygen encounters an oxygen molecule, or when N2O5 decays. Monatomic oxygen is formed when UV light of 215nm or shorter, or an energetic electron, dissociates an oxygen molecule. These oxygen atoms are called free radicals. ie they have at least one unpaired electron. Because of this, free radicals are very reactive. An oxygen atom will then react with an O2 (oxygen) molecule to form ozone. Additonally, there are biological pathways where ATP can generate ozone (the roots of marigolds produce it when attacked by predators).

Answer 2

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere when oxygen molecules (O2) are broken apart by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, resulting in single oxygen atoms (O). These single atoms can then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O3). This process primarily occurs in the stratosphere.

Answer 3

Ozone is formed when monatomic oxygen encounters an oxygen molecule, or when N2O5 decays. Monatomic oxygen is formed when UV light of 215nm or shorter, or an energetic electron, dissociates an oxygen molecule. Additonally, there are biological pathways where ATP can generate ozone (the roots of marigolds produce it when attacked by predators). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozone#Production