How do ozone generators create ozone?

Ozone generators create ozone primarily through a process called corona discharge, which involves exposing oxygen (O₂) to an electrical discharge. This electrical energy splits the oxygen molecules into smaller atomic components (O), which then recombine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O₃). The method is effective because the electrical discharge provides the energy required to break apart the stable O₂ molecules, facilitating the formation of ozone.

This process harnesses the natural tendency of oxygen to react and form a more reactive form, ozone, when energized. This mechanism is widely used in water treatment because ozone is a powerful oxidant and disinfectant, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens present in the water.

The other methods mentioned in the choices do not create ozone through the same efficient process as corona discharge. For instance, mixing ozone with water does not generate new ozone; it involves combining two substances. Chemical reactions with chlorine are unrelated to ozone production and do not yield ozone directly. Absorbing UV light is also a method used to generate ozone but is generally less efficient and not the primary technique employed in most large-scale ozone generation systems.