Do Ozone gas decomposite naturally under IR rays?
To determine whether ozone gas decomposes naturally under infrared (IR) rays, we can investigate the properties of ozone and its reaction to different forms of radiation.
Ozone (O3) is an unstable gas that plays an important role in the stratosphere by protecting Earth's surface from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is formed through a process called photodissociation, wherein molecular oxygen (O2) is broken down by UV radiation into two oxygen atoms, which then combine with additional oxygen molecules to form ozone.
In the presence of IR rays, ozone can experience a slight increase in temperature. However, IR radiation alone does not have enough energy to break the bonds between oxygen atoms and cause ozone to decompose. Ozone primarily absorbs UV-C and UV-B radiation, which have shorter wavelengths and higher energy than IR radiation. Therefore, ozone decomposition occurs as a result of UV radiation, not IR radiation.
In summary, ozone gas does not decompose naturally under IR rays. Its decomposition mainly occurs under the influence of high-energy UV radiation in the stratosphere.