Question

Which of the following layers of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays?

• A. Troposphere
• B. Stratosphere
• C. Mesosphere
• D. Thermosphere

Hint:

Remember the atmospheric sequence: Troposphere \(\rightarrow\) Weather Stratosphere \(\rightarrow\) Ozone Layer Mesosphere \(\rightarrow\) Meteors Burn Thermosphere \(\rightarrow\) Auroras and Satellites A quick memory trick is: ``S for Stratosphere, S for Shield (Ozone Shield).''

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Recall the atmosphere layers.
From the ground up they are: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere and exosphere.

Step 2: What the ozone layer does.
The ozone layer is made of ozone $O_3$ molecules. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays from the Sun and protects life.

Step 3: Where it sits.
The ozone layer lies inside the stratosphere, roughly between 15 km and 35 km above the surface.

Step 4: Rule out others.
The troposphere has our weather. The mesosphere burns up meteors. The thermosphere has ionised gases. None hold the protective ozone layer.

Step 5: Conclude.
The correct layer is the stratosphere.

Answer: Stratosphere