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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

Which atmospheric layer contains the ozone layer that protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation?

Answer: Stratosphere.

  • A Troposphere
  • B Stratosphere
  • C Mesosphere
  • D Thermosphere

Correct answer: B. Stratosphere

Explanation: The ozone layer is found in the stratosphere, concentrated at about 23-25 km altitude. It absorbs harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation before it reaches Earth's surface. The troposphere lies below it and contains all weather phenomena.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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