Molecular Oxygen - A molecule that is composed of two oxygen atoms, O2, and has no color, odor, or taste. It is present in both the atmosphere and dissolved in the oceans and freshwater sources exposed to the atmosphere. Solar radiation with wavelengths less then 242 nm can break it back into oxygen atoms, O2 ---> O + O. One of these oxygen radicals in turn can combine with O2 to form ozone, O2 + O ---> O3.
[Science; v265: pages 1817-1818; 1994.]
[Science; v235: pages 199-202; 1987.]
Atmospheric Chemistry Glossary
Oxygen - O2, is found on Earth as a gas and constitutes about 20.8% of the air we breathe. Elemental molecular oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms bonded together. A photochemical reaction of oxygen is (ultimately) responsible for the production of ozone in the stratosphere. Oxygen concentrations found in ice core samples (using isotopic 16O/18O rations) have been used to determine past atmospheric levels of oxygen and have helped in determining past climates.
[Nature; v351; 217-219; 1991.]
[Nature; v365; 143-147; 1993.]
Atmospheric Chemistry Glossary |
