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breakdown of ozone

this question is confusing me no end!
It gives the following three equations:

hv
NO2 ---> NO + O

NO + O3 -> NO2 + O2

O + O2 -> O3

And then says 'combine to of these equstions to show how ozone is broken down.'
My first thoughts were, well the last equation is for the formation of ozone, so it must be the other two. However looking at the first equation, that produces O radicals which must contribute to O3 production? Or does it not matter, because ultimately it is forming the NO that gets rid of the Ozone after the radicals have reacted.. if that makes ANY sense at all :P Any thoughts?

Reply 1

Eau

Okay here is the equation for the destruction of ozone:

NO + O3 -> NO2 + O2

Which produces more NO2, which will subsequently decompose into NO + O. More destruction by NO.

But you may say O radical will be used for O3 formation, but O radical will also make O3 decompose (not provided):

O + O3 ---> O2

So more destruction pathways (two) of O3 than formation (one).