The gas present in the stratosphere which filters out some of the sun'...
Gas Present in the Stratosphere that Filters out Ultraviolet Light:Explanation:The gas present in the stratosphere that filters out some of the sun's ultraviolet light and provides an effective shield against radiation damage to living things is ozone. Here's a detailed explanation:
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Ozone: Ozone (O3) is a gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. It is formed in the stratosphere when oxygen molecules (O2) are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
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Filtering Ultraviolet Light: Ozone acts as a protective shield by absorbing most of the sun's ultraviolet-B (UV-B) and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation, preventing these harmful rays from reaching the Earth's surface.
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Importance for Living Things: Ultraviolet radiation can cause various harmful effects on living organisms, including sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts, and damage to the immune system. The presence of ozone in the stratosphere helps protect living things from these harmful effects.
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Stratospheric Ozone Layer: The accumulation of ozone in the stratosphere forms the ozone layer, which is located approximately 10 to 50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The ozone layer acts as a natural sunscreen for the planet.
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Depletion of Ozone: Human activities, such as the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, have led to the thinning of the ozone layer, particularly over Antarctica (known as the ozone hole). This depletion allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface, leading to increased risks for living organisms.
In conclusion, ozone is the gas present in the stratosphere that filters out some of the sun's ultraviolet light, providing an effective shield against radiation damage to living things.