How is ozone formed?
In basic terms, Hydrocarbons+Nitrogen Oxides+Sunlight=Ozone Ozone is formed by the action of sunlight on carbon-based chemicals known as hydrocarbons, acting in combination with a group of air pollutants called oxides of nitrogen. Hydrocarbons are emitted by motor vehicles, oil and chemical storage and handling facilities, and a variety of commercial and industrial sources such as gas stations, dry cleaners and degreasing operations. Oxides of nitrogen are a by-produce of burning fuel in sources such as power plants, steel mills and other heavy industry and in motor vehicles.
Ozone is a naturally occurring product. It is formed by either a photochemical reaction or a bio-electrical reaction. In a photochemical reaction, oxygen molecules are split with an ultraviolet light. The split oxygen atoms (O1) then join normal oxygen molecules (O2) to form ozone molecules (O3). Our ozone layer is formed by the creation of ozone in the Earth’s upper atmosphere by UV rays from the sun. In a bio-electrical reaction, ozone is created through an electrical discharge, whose function is similarly to UV light for splitting oxygen molecules. Ozone created in this fashion can be found as a byproduct of lightning and electrical storms. The RedOzone sterilizer also generates ozone using this method. The reactivity of ozone is because of the third atom of oxygen. Held together in a semi-stable bond with the other two oxygen atoms, this atom easily reacts with any oxidizable compound (organic or inorganic).
