Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth. What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth?

1. The question describes electrically charged particles arriving from space at high speeds, which are potentially harmful to living beings. These are components of the solar wind and cosmic rays. 2. The primary defense mechanism that prevents most of these particles from reaching the surface of the Earth is the Earth's magnetic field (magnetosphere). 3. Statement (A) is correct. The Earth's magnetic field extends far into space and diverts the trajectory of incoming charged particles. Many are deflected away from Earth entirely, while some are funnelled along magnetic field lines towards the magnetic poles, where they interact with the atmosphere to create auroras. 4. Statement (B) is incorrect. The Ozone layer is crucial for absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, but it does not significantly reflect or stop high-energy charged particles. 5. Statement (C) is incorrect. While the atmosphere provides some shielding through collisions, moisture itself is not the primary mechanism, and the magnetic field provides the main protection against these specific types of particles.