6.4.5—Ozone equilibrium

Equal formation and destruction rates can keep ozone concentration steady while reactions continue constantly.

Ozone concentration can remain stable when concurrent formation and destruction occur at equal rates. If destruction becomes faster without matching formation, concentration falls until the rate balance changes again.

A measured steady ozone concentration can therefore hide continuous molecular formation and destruction; the observation alone does not mean reactions have stopped.

Compare formation and destruction rates first, then infer whether ozone concentration rises, falls or remains steady.

A stable concentration does not prove no chemical reactions are occurring.