Question

select the correct answer

the ozone layer sits near the top of earth’s atmosphere and protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. but ozone is dangerous when it’s closer to ground level. which statement is true about ground - level ozone?

○ a. it contributes to nutrient pollution.

○ b. it directly causes acid rain.

○ c. it is the main component of smog.

Explanation:

• Option A: Nutrient pollution is related to excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus (e.g., from fertilizers), not ground - level ozone. So A is incorrect.
• Option B: Acid rain is mainly caused by sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)) and nitrogen oxides (\(NO_x\)) reacting with water in the atmosphere. Ozone does not directly cause acid rain. So B is incorrect.
• Option C: Smog, especially photochemical smog, has ground - level ozone as a main component. Ground - level ozone is formed from chemical reactions involving pollutants like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. So C is correct.

Answer:

C. It is the main component of smog