Once in the atmosphere, CFCs drift slowly upward to the stratosphere, where they are broken up by ultraviolet radiation, releasing
chlorine atoms
, which are able to destroy ozone molecules. … When sunlight returns in the spring, the chlorine begins to destroy ozone.
Why are CFCs so reactive with ozone?
But
UV light can break up a CFC
, making it highly reactive. In the lower atmosphere, CFCs are protected from UV light from the ozone layer in the stratosphere. … They release chlorine, and these free chlorine atoms rip oxygen atoms off of ozone, leaving ordinary oxygen gas.
How does CFC cause ozone depletion?
Gaseous CFCs can deplete the ozone layer when
they slowly rise into the stratosphere, are broken down by strong ultraviolet radiation, release chlorine atoms, and then react with ozone molecules
. See Ozone Depleting Substance
How does CFC interact with ozone molecules use the concept of catalyst?
In the stratosphere CFCs are dissociated by UV light producing chlorine atoms. … When present together in the stratosphere,
chlorine (Cl) and ozone quickly react to produce chlorine oxide
. Bromine can also act as a catalyst to destroy stratospheric ozone. In 1995 Drs.
What are 3 causes of depletion to the ozone layer?
Chlorofluorocarbons
Why are CFCs bad?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons
destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer
, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global climate.
Are CFCs still used?
Production of
CFCs ceased in 1995
. HCFC production will cease in 2020 (HCFC-22) or 2030 (HCFC-123). This means that although equipment that uses these refrigerants may operate just fine for 20 or 30 years, new or recycled refrigerant to service it may not be available. Don’t buy equipment that uses CFC refrigerants.
Does ozone convert to oxygen?
When an ozone molecule absorbs even low-energy ultraviolet radiation, it
splits into an ordinary oxygen molecule and a free oxygen atom
. … Because of this “ozone-oxygen cycle,” harmful ultraviolet radiation is continuously converted into heat.
Which chemical released by CFC is harmful to ozone?
Chlorine
released from CFCs destroys ozone in catalytic reactions where 100,000 molecules of ozone can be destroyed per chlorine atom. A large springtime depletion of stratospheric ozone was getting worse each following year.
Which gas is destroying the ozone layer?
Ozone depleting substances are chemicals that destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer. They include:
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) halon
.
What causes the ozone hole?
The ozone hole has developed because
people have polluted the atmosphere with chemicals containing chlorine and bromine
. The primary chemicals involved are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs for short), halons, and carbon tetrachloride. … Once released from CFCs, chlorine (Cl) then reacts with ozone (O3) to form ClO and O2.
What can we do to protect the ozone layer?
- Avoid the consumption of gases dangerous to the ozone layer, due to their content or manufacturing process. …
- Minimize the use of cars. …
- Do not use cleaning products that are harmful to the environment and to us. …
- Buy local products.
Is there still a hole in the ozone layer 2020?
The record-breaking
2020 Antarctic ozone hole finally closed at the end of December
after an exceptional season due to naturally occurring meteorological conditions and the continued presence of ozone depleting substances in the atmosphere.
Are CFCs toxic to breathe?
Inhalation of CFCs can also disturb the heart rhythm, which can lead to death. Exposure to large amount of CFCs could
potentially cause asphyxiation
, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Does ozone protect us?
The stratospheric ozone layer is Earth’s “sunscreen” –
protecting living things from too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun
. The emission of ozone depleting substances has been damaging the ozone layer.
Are CFCs illegal?
Once widely used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, as blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and in refrigeration,
its production was banned in 2010
, although CFC-11 continues to leak from foam building insulation and appliances manufactured before that year.
