O3
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Chemistry
| Stands for | Ozone |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
O3 stands for Ozone, a chemistry abbreviation.
Pale blue gas made of three oxygen atoms. High in the stratosphere, the ozone layer absorbs most of the Sun's harmful UVB radiation; at ground level, ozone formed from vehicle and industrial emissions in sunlight is the main ingredient of smog and irritates the lungs.
Example: The forecast warns of high O3 levels this afternoon, so limit strenuous outdoor exercise.
Usage notes
Christian Friedrich Schönbein identified ozone in 1840 and named it from Greek ozein (to smell), after the sharp odor noticed near electrical sparks. Ozone is also used to disinfect water and remove odors. Stratospheric ozone is measured in Dobson units, and the "ozone hole" is defined as an area below 220 Dobson units.
Related abbreviations
More chemistry abbreviations
- N2O – Nitrous oxide
- NaCl – Sodium chloride
- NaOH – Sodium hydroxide
- NH3 – Ammonia
- NMR – Nuclear magnetic resonance
- NTP – Normal temperature and pressure
- PAH – Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
- PC – Polycarbonate
- PCB – Polychlorinated biphenyl
- PE – Polyethylene
- PEG – Polyethylene glycol (laxative and bowel preparation)
- PET – Polyethylene terephthalate