In Earth and environmental science, the ozone layer in the stratosphere protects life on Earth by strongly restricting which type of incoming solar radiation?

Introduction / Context:
The ozone layer is a famous topic in environmental science because it acts as a shield for life on Earth. This question checks whether you remember which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is most strongly absorbed and restricted by ozone molecules in the upper atmosphere.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The layer discussed is the ozone layer in the stratosphere, not ground level ozone pollution.
• The question asks which radiation is restricted, meaning absorbed or blocked before reaching the Earth surface in large amounts.
• Several wave types are listed, including infrared, ultraviolet, radio waves, visible and microwaves.

Concept / Approach:
Ozone molecules absorb most of the Sun ultraviolet radiation in the UV B and UV C ranges. This absorption prevents most harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching humans, animals and plants. Infrared and visible light largely pass through the atmosphere and are important for climate and vision. Radio waves and microwaves are only weakly affected by the ozone layer. Therefore, the correct answer is ultraviolet radiation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ultraviolet radiation has higher energy than visible light and can damage DNA and living tissues. Step 2: Remember that the key environmental benefit of the ozone layer is that it absorbs a large fraction of incoming solar ultraviolet radiation. Step 3: Note that infrared radiation is mainly associated with heat and is not strongly absorbed by ozone. Step 4: Recognise that radio waves and microwaves are long wavelength radiations that pass easily through the atmosphere and are used for communication. Step 5: Conclude that the radiation restricted by the ozone layer is ultraviolet radiation.

Verification / Alternative check:
Environmental science reports and textbooks discuss the ozone hole problem in terms of increased UV B reaching the surface when ozone thins. Health advisories refer to higher risk of skin cancer and eye damage due to UV exposure when ozone levels decrease, confirming the link between ozone and ultraviolet radiation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Infrared rays: These are involved in heat balance and greenhouse effects but are not primarily blocked by the ozone layer.
Radio waves: The ionosphere interacts with some radio waves, but ozone is not the main factor restricting them.
Visible light: The atmosphere scatters some visible light, but most of it passes through, allowing us to see; ozone only weakly affects visible wavelengths.
Microwaves: Used in radar and satellite communication; they generally pass through the atmosphere without major absorption by ozone.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse the greenhouse effect with ozone depletion and may incorrectly focus on infrared radiation. Remember that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and water vapour deal with infrared trapping, while ozone layer protection is specifically about absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

Final Answer:
The ozone layer protects life mainly by restricting Ultraviolet radiation from reaching the Earth surface in large amounts.