Which of these gases in our atmosphere absorb the harmful UV rays of Sun?

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Explanation

Ozone (O₃) forms a protective layer in the stratosphere, a region of the upper atmosphere.
This ozone layer is crucial because it absorbs the majority of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly the more dangerous UV-B and UV-C wavelengths.
This absorption process prevents most of this damaging radiation from reaching the Earth's surface, thereby protecting living organisms from effects like skin cancer and cataracts.

Option A: Methane is a greenhouse gas, not a UV-absorbing gas. It primarily absorbs infrared radiation (heat) and contributes to global warming.
Option B: Neon is a noble gas. It is chemically inert and exists in very small quantities in the atmosphere, playing no significant role in absorbing solar radiation.
Option C: Helium is also a noble gas. It is very light and chemically inert, and it does not absorb UV radiation in the atmosphere.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Role of atmospheric gases in absorbing solar radiation helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the ozone layer's function is crucial for public health education regarding sun safety. Nurses can advise patients on using sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent skin damage from UV radiation that still penetrates the atmosphere.
Depletion of the ozone layer, caused by pollutants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), leads to increased UV exposure and a higher risk of skin cancers (like melanoma), cataracts, and immune system suppression.
What if the question asked about the most potent greenhouse gas among the options? The answer would be Methane, as it traps heat far more effectively than CO₂ over a shorter period, though CO₂ is more abundant and has a longer-lasting effect.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core question: which gas absorbs harmful UV rays?
Recall or deduce the primary function of each gas listed in the options.
Methane is widely known as a greenhouse gas, related to heat, not UV.
Neon and Helium are noble gases, known for being inert and unreactive.
Ozone is famously associated with the 'ozone layer,' which is known for protecting the Earth from the sun. This links it directly to absorbing solar radiation.
Based on this process of elimination and association, conclude that Ozone is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Comprehensive Textbook of Community Health NursingShyamala D part 1 (pp 26-389 of 389) p. 138-140

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 415-417

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 470-472

Practise the full AIIMS Raipur NO- 2019 (shift 3rd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.