The atmosphere constituent chiefly responsible for absorbing solar ultraviolet radiation is
A) carbon dioxide.
B) water vapor.
C) ozone.
D) helium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ozone is a molecule composed of three oxygen atoms and is present in the Earth's atmosphere, primarily in the stratosphere. The ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing a significant amount of incoming ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is harmful to living organisms on Earth. Carbon dioxide and water vapor can absorb some ultraviolet radiation, but they are not as effective as ozone. Helium is an inert gas and does not absorb any ultraviolet radiation.

The Atmosphere Constituent Chiefly Responsible for Absorbing Solar Ultraviolet Radiation