Author Question: How do CFCs affect the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and contribute to the formation of ... (Read 65 times)

roselinechinyere27m · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

How do CFCs affect the concentration of ozone in the stratosphere and contribute to the formation of the ozone hole?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How is the protective ozone shield formed? What causes its natural breakdown?

What will be an ideal response?

Natalie4ever · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

CFCs release chlorine atoms and damage the stratospheric ozone layer. CFCs combine with the ultraviolet rays of the Sun to release chlorine that can combine with ozone and cause it to break down. Chlorine acts as a catalyst, a chemical that promotes a chemical reaction without itself being used up in the reaction. This catalytic response of chlorine can cause the damage of an untold amount of ozone, leading to significant areas of depletion.

Answer to Question 2

Ozone is formed in the stratosphere when UV radiation acts on oxygen molecules. The high-energy radiation first causes some molecular oxygen to split apart into free oxygen atoms, and these atoms then combine with molecular oxygen to form ozone. This reaction is reversible. When ozone absorbs UVB, it is converted back to free oxygen and molecular oxygen.