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Which of the following chemicals is mainly responsible for ozone depletion?
  • a)
    Chlorofluorocarbon
  • b)
    Polyphenol
  • c)
    Dioxin
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the following chemicals is mainly responsible for ozone deple...
Concept:
Ozone Layer:
 
  • Ozone (O
    3
    )
     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. { O
    3
     → O
    2
     + [O] }
  • It is an allotrope of oxygen
     that is much less stable than the diatomic allotrope O
    2
    , breaking down in the lower atmosphere to O
    2
     or di-oxygen
Its depletion:
  • The amount of ozone in the atmosphere began to drop sharply in the 1980s.
  • This decrease has been linked to 
    synthetic chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
     which are used as 
    refrigerants and in fire extinguishers.
  • The government bans those products which contain CFCs.
  • Ozone is 
    thermodynamically unstable and decomposes to molecular oxygen
    . Thus, a 
    dynamic equilibrium
     exists between the 
    production and decomposition of ozone molecules
Explanation:
  • 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
    .
Additional Information
  • 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:
    • As the name suggests, acid rain may be said to be the easiest way to precipitate acid in the form of rain.
    • This results in acid rain as air contaminants such as
       nitrogen oxides and sulphur
       react with rainwater and come down with the 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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Most Upvoted Answer
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.
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Which of the following chemicals is mainly responsible for ozone depletion?a)Chlorofluorocarbonb)Polyphenolc)Dioxind)None of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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