___________ is an allotropic form of oxygen which plays an important role in absorbing ultra-violet radiation of the sun?

Explanation

Allotrope of oxygen:

• Ozone is a molecule made of three oxygen atoms (O₃), unlike the common oxygen we breathe, which has two atoms (O₂). 

Formation:

• In the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere), solar UV radiation strikes oxygen molecules (O₂), splitting them into single oxygen atoms (O).
• These free oxygen atoms then combine with other O₂ molecules to form ozone (O₃). 

Absorption of UV radiation:

• The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet energy from the sun. When ozone absorbs UV radiation, it splits into an ordinary oxygen molecule and a free oxygen atom. 

Conversion to heat:

• This process, known as the "ozone-oxygen cycle," converts the harmful UV radiation into heat. 

Protection from harm:

• By absorbing this radiation, the ozone layer prevents excessive amounts of UV-B light from reaching Earth's surface,
• Where it would be damaging to human health (causing skin cancer, cataracts) and harmful to plants and aquatic ecosystems. 

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