The ozone layer primarily protects the Earth from which type of radiation?

The ozone layer is primarily responsible for protecting the Earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This region of the atmosphere, located in the stratosphere, contains a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules, which absorb the majority of the sun's harmful UV radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause significant harm to living organisms, including skin cancer in humans, cataracts, and negative effects on ecosystems and wildlife. The ozone layer acts as a shield, preventing much of this radiation from reaching the Earth's surface, thereby safeguarding health and environmental integrity.

In contrast, nuclear radiation pertains to radioactive materials and is not something the ozone layer protects against. Infrared radiation involves heat energy, which is generally not harmful in the way UV radiation can be. Meteorite impacts are physical events rather than types of radiation, and while they can cause damage, they are not influenced by the ozone layer or atmospheric composition. Thus, the role of the ozone layer is crucial in filtering out UV radiation to protect life on Earth.