Which of the following chemicals is mainly responsible for ozone deple...
- is a molecule formed by three atoms of oxygen. Ozone is a
deadly poison.
Ozone
is found in the stratosphere
layer of the atmosphere. - However, at the higher levels of the atmosphere, ozone performs an essential function. It
shields the surface of the earth from ultraviolet (UV) radiation
from the Sun. - This radiation is
highly damaging to organisms
, for example, it is known to cause skin cancer in human beings or can split the DNA.
- It is a pale blue gas with a distinctively pungent smell.
- Ozone is an excellent
oxidizing agent
as it breaks down into oxygen gas and nascent oxygen. { O3
→ O2
+ [O] } It is an allotrope of oxygen
that is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope O2
, breaking down in the lower atmosphere to O2
or di-oxygen
- In recent years, there have been reports of the depletion of this protective ozone layer because of the presence of certain chemicals in the stratosphere.
- The main reason for
ozone layer depletion
is believed to be the release of chlorofluorocarbon compounds (CFCs)
, also known as Freons
. - These compounds are
non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic organic molecules
and are therefore used in refrigerators, air conditioners, in the production of plastic foam and by the electronic industry for cleaning computer parts etc. - Once CFCs are released in the atmosphere, they
mix with the normal atmospheric gases and eventually reach the stratosphere
- In the
1980s
, for the first time, atmospheric scientists working in Antarctica reported about the depletion of the ozone layer
commonly known as ozone hole over the South Pole
.
Greenhouse effect:
- The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that warms the surface of the Earth.
- As the Sun's energy enters the Earth's atmosphere, part of it is reflected back in space and the remainder is absorbed and re-radiated by
greenhouse gases.
- The radiation consumed warms the atmosphere and the Earth's surface.
Acid Rain:
Smog:
- The term smog means a mixture of
fog and smoke.
- It is a type of air pollution that occurs in many cities worldwide.
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Which of the following chemicals is mainly responsible for ozone deple...
Understanding Ozone Depletion
Ozone depletion refers to the reduction of ozone (O₃) in the Earth’s stratosphere, which plays a critical role in protecting life by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Their Role
- CFCs are synthetic compounds that were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.
- They are stable in the lower atmosphere, allowing them to reach the stratosphere without breaking down.
- Once they reach the stratosphere, CFCs are broken down by UV radiation, releasing chlorine atoms.
Mechanism of Ozone Depletion
- The released chlorine atoms react with ozone, leading to its depletion through a series of chemical reactions:
- Cl + O₃ → ClO + O₂
- ClO + O → Cl + O₂
- This cycle can repeat, with a single chlorine atom capable of destroying thousands of ozone molecules before being removed from the atmosphere.
Consequences of Ozone Depletion
- Increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface can result in higher incidences of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues.
- It can also have detrimental effects on ecosystems, including marine life and terrestrial plants.
Conclusion
In summary, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary chemicals responsible for ozone depletion due to their ability to release chlorine in the stratosphere, leading to significant environmental and health impacts.