High ultraviolet radiation emissions from an open arc can cause atmospheric oxygen to convert to which substance?

High ultraviolet radiation emissions from an open arc can cause atmospheric oxygen to convert to which substance?

• A. Ozone
• B. Carbon monoxide
• C. Carbon dioxide
• D. Argon

Answer: (A)

Ultraviolet energy from the open arc splits oxygen molecules in the air, creating individual oxygen atoms. Those atoms readily join with undissociated O2 to form ozone (O3). This photochemical reaction is driven by UV light and is why ozone can appear near intense UV sources. The other options don’t form from this process because carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide require carbon-containing fuels to burn or oxidize, and argon is an inert gas that doesn’t convert from oxygen under UV irradiation in this context.

Ultraviolet energy from the open arc splits oxygen molecules in the air, creating individual oxygen atoms. Those atoms readily join with undissociated O2 to form ozone (O3). This photochemical reaction is driven by UV light and is why ozone can appear near intense UV sources. The other options don’t form from this process because carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide require carbon-containing fuels to burn or oxidize, and argon is an inert gas that doesn’t convert from oxygen under UV irradiation in this context.