Assertion: The primitive atmosphere was reducing one i.e., without oxygen.
Reason: In the primitive atmosphere, oxygen was involved in forming ozone.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) If Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(c) If Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
Explanation:
The lightest atoms of nitrogen, carbon etc. formed the primitive atmosphere. Hydrogen atoms were most numerous and most reactive in primitive atmosphere. Hydrogen atoms combined with all oxygen atoms to form water leaving no free oxygen. Thus primitive atmosphere was reducing (without free oxygen) unlike the present oxidizing atmosphere (with free oxygen).
Formation of ozone layer is the consequence of modern oxidizing atmosphere having plenty of free oxygen. As more oxygen accumulated in the atmosphere (due to photosynthesis) ozone began to appear in the top layers.