Which of the following compounds is responsible for ozone layer depletion? (2019
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following compounds is responsible for ozone layer depletion? (2019)
Methane
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Carbon Dioxide
Nitrous Oxide
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following compounds is responsible for ozone layer depletion? (2019)
Step 1: Understand what the ozone layer is. It is a layer of ozone (O3) molecules in the Earth's stratosphere that protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Step 2: Learn about chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These are man-made compounds that were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays.
Step 3: Know how CFCs affect the ozone layer. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they eventually reach the stratosphere.
Step 4: Understand the chemical reaction. In the stratosphere, CFCs break down due to UV radiation, releasing chlorine atoms.
Step 5: Learn what chlorine does. The chlorine atoms react with ozone (O3) molecules, breaking them apart and depleting the ozone layer.
Step 6: Conclude that CFCs are responsible for ozone layer depletion because they lead to the breakdown of ozone molecules.