Why is ozone successfully formed by oxygen in the presence of an electric arc?

Question

ChemDoc:
I mean by successfully that I can do it with a vacuum cleaner motor.

Answer 1

Depends on what you mean by "successfully." The efficiency of the process is actually very low (you might make sub-ppm level concentration solutions in air) and there are more efficient ways of making it (like UV lamps or silent corona discharges).

The electrons in the arc have enough energy to break the oxygen-oxygen bond. The free oxygen radical (only has 7 electrons) can then react with any other surrounding molecules or atoms. If it hits an oxygen molecule (O2), it may form ozone (O3).

Answer 2

Oxygen generally exists as a diatomic molecule or O2. This is because it is very reactive and is more stable in this form. Ozone is O3, triatomic, and also very reactive. It can be formed as lightnig goes through the air (20%) O2. The lightning splits the O2 and the free Os combine with the O2s to make O3 or ozone. An electric arc can also cause this to happen.It is sweet smelling, and a part of smog.It can not be used to renew the ozone layer.

Answer 3

For molecular oxygen to form ozone requires an input of energy. This is an endothermic reaction. The electric arc from lightning or other electrical source gives the energy needed for the reaction to occur. On the other hand, ozone in the ozone layer is undergoing the reverse reaction to form molecular oxygen. This is exothermic and releases energy. This is a natural process that was increased with the release of CFC's or chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere, thus we have a hole in the ozone layer.

Answer 4

Ozone is actually 3 oxygen atoms bound together (2O3), whereas normal oxygen is only 2 oxygen atoms bound together (3O2).

Adding energy to O2 forces it to become O3, and when the O3 breaks down back to O2, it gives off energy in the process.

Answer 5

That's Chemistry buddy! But, the increased energy of the surrounding air causes the temp to go up enough to allow the bonding of the third oxygen atom.