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Ozone [ O3 ] is a substance whose molecules are composed of three oxygen atoms, and is called triatomic. Ozone is a clear to pale blue gas with a strong odor. It is 1.5 times as dense as molecular oxygen.
Ozone is formed from oxygen in several ways. It is more chemically active than oxygen, and rapidly decomposes into oxygen. It can be formed commercially. Some non-commercial methods include slow oxidation of phosphorous, a jet burning hydrogen, lightning, and most electrical discharges in air.
When energy is introduced through electrical discharge, heat, or ultraviolet light, an endothermic reaction can cause ozone to form. Ozone gives a a familiar smell that we associate with lightning, electrical storms, and flashover events.
Ozone is not considered very stable. Because ozone and oxygen are different forms of the same element, they are characterized as allotropes and can exist under normal atmospheric temperatures and pressures.
Ozone is a triatomic allotrope that readily breaks down into the diatomic oxygen we are most familiar with.
Ozone is a pale blue gas with a strong odor that we have learned to associate with electrical discharges such as lightning and flashover events.
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