Photochemical reactions: examples
Photochemistry · Chemistry
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Why does the ozone layer protect us, using photochemistry? Step 1: O₂ + hν (UV < 240 nm) → 2O. Step 2: O + O₂ → O₃ (ozone forms). Step 3: O₃ + hν (UV 200–300 nm) → O₂ + O (ozone absorbs harmful UV). Step 4: O + O₃ → 2O₂ (cycle continues). Net: UV energy converted to heat, DNA-damaging rays never reach us.