What is the composition of an ozone molecule?

The composition of an ozone molecule is represented by O3. This indicates that an ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms bonded together. Ozone plays a crucial role in the Earth's atmosphere, particularly in the stratosphere, where it forms the ozone layer that protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Understanding molecular composition is key in various environmental and regulatory contexts, especially regarding air quality and ozone's effects on human health and the environment. Other options like O2 represent diatomic oxygen, which is the most common form of oxygen in the atmosphere and is vital for respiration, while O4 and O5 do not represent stable or common molecular forms found naturally. Therefore, knowing that ozone consists specifically of three oxygen atoms helps clarify its unique properties and functions in atmospheric chemistry.