Which of the following is a consequence of ozone exposure to rubber?

Ozone exposure to rubber is known to have detrimental effects, particularly leading to a decreased lifespan of rubber materials. This is primarily due to the chemical reactions that occur when rubber is exposed to ozone, which can cause the rubber to crack, degrade, and lose its intended structural integrity over time. The ozone molecules react with the polymer chains in rubber, initiating oxidative degradation that results in a variety of physical changes, such as brittleness and loss of elasticity.

In contrast, options such as increased flexibility, enhanced electrical insulation, and no effect on functionality do not accurately reflect the impact of ozone on rubber. Increased flexibility would imply an improvement in rubber's qualities, which is not the case here; ozone exposure typically reduces flexibility and overall performance. Enhanced electrical insulation is also misleading, as the degradation caused by ozone exposure can compromise the insulation properties of rubber materials. Lastly, claiming there is no effect on functionality downplays the significant alterations ozone can induce, resulting in practical failures in applications where rubber is used.