How do CFCs destroy ozone in the stratosphere?
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.
How is ozone destroyed in the troposphere?
Ozone is destroyed when it reacts with molecules containing nitrogen, hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine. Some of the molecules that destroy ozone occur naturally, but people have created others. The total mass of ozone in the atmosphere is about 3 billion metric tons.
What do CFCs do in the troposphere?
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.
Why do CFCs break down in the stratosphere?
In the lower atmosphere, CFCs are protected from ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer itself. Once in the stratosphere, the CFC molecules are no longer shielded from ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer. Bombarded by the sunÕs ultraviolet energy, CFC molecules break up and release chlorine atoms.
How are CFCs responsible for ozone depletion?
Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere (see details below). CFCs and halons cause chemical reactions that break down ozone molecules, reducing ozone’s ultraviolet radiation-absorbing capacity.
How CFCs deplete the ozone layer equation?
Cl + O3 = ClO + O2 When the molecule of chlorine monoxide (ClO) meets another molecule of oxygen (O) it breaks up, releasing chlorine (Cl), which can “destroy” another molecule of ozone (O3), creating the catalytic cycle of chlorine.
How do CFCs deplete ozone?
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.)
Why do CFCs not break down the ozone in the troposphere?
CFCs do not react easily with other chemicals in the lower atmosphere (troposphere). The UV light in the stratosphere breaks up the CFCs. They release chlorine, and these free chlorine atoms rip oxygen atoms off of ozone, leaving ordinary oxygen gas.
How do CFCs reach the stratosphere?
How Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) get to the Stratosphere when they are heavier than air. CFCs reach the stratosphere because the Earth’s atmosphere is always in motion and mixes the chemicals added into it. CFC molecules are indeed several times heavier than air.
Does the stratosphere contain the ozone layer?
The ozone layer is the common term for the high concentration of ozone that is found in the stratosphere around 15–30km above the earth’s surface. It covers the entire planet and protects life on earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation from the sun.
What role do CFCs play in the catalytic destruction of ozone?
What role do CFCs play in the catalytic destruction of ozone? CFC molecules migrate to the upper stratosphere where they generate chlorine atoms upon being destroyed by ultraviolet light. In the synthesis of ozone, O3, from oxygen, O2, an example of an exothermic or endothermic reaction? The reaction should be heated.