What does an ozone molecule consist of?

An ozone molecule consists of three atoms of oxygen. This unique structure is what differentiates ozone from dioxygen (the O2 molecule, which is the oxygen we breathe). The formation of ozone occurs when dioxygen molecules are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light or electrical discharges, leading to the splitting of O2 molecules into individual oxygen atoms that can subsequently bond with other O2 molecules to form ozone (O3).

This trio of oxygen atoms results in ozone's distinct properties, including its role in absorbing harmful UV radiation in the Earth's stratosphere. Additionally, the presence of three oxygen atoms in an ozone molecule contributes to its reactivity, making it a potent oxidizing agent, which has implications for environmental and health-related concerns, particularly when ozone forms at ground level as a pollutant.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the molecular composition of ozone, as a molecule containing only two, four, or one atom of oxygen does not represent ozone at all.