/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 31 In the abstract of a talk he gav... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 2: Problem 31

In the abstract of a talk he gave in 2007 , Nobel laureate W. Sherwood Rowland wrote "Solar UV radiation creates an ozone layer in the atmosphere which in turn completely absorbs the most energetic fraction of this radiation." a. What is the most energetic fraction? b. How does solar UV radiation "create an ozone layer"?

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. The most energetic fraction is UVC radiation. b. Solar UV radiation creates the ozone layer by splitting O_2 molecules into atomic oxygen, which then forms ozone.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding UV Radiation

Solar UltraViolet (UV) radiation is divided into three types based on their wavelengths: UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (290-320 nm), and UVC (100-290 nm). UVC is the most energetic fraction since it has the shortest wavelength and thus the highest energy.
02

Exploring Ozone Layer Formation

The creation of the ozone layer involves the photodissociation of molecular oxygen. When high-energy UVC radiation reaches the atmosphere, it splits molecular oxygen ( O_2) into individual oxygen atoms ( O). These atoms can then bond with other O_2 molecules to form ozone (O_3). This process is known as the ozone-oxygen cycle.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding UV Radiation
Solar UltraViolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy emitted by the sun. It is divided into three categories based on their wavelengths: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Understanding the differences between these types is crucial. UVA ranges from 320 to 400 nanometers and is the least energetic, yet it penetrates the Earth鈥檚 atmosphere with ease. It plays a significant role in skin aging and wrinkling. UVB, with wavelengths from 290 to 320 nanometers, is more energetic than UVA and is known for causing sunburn. UVC covers wavelengths from 100 to 290 nanometers and is the most energetic. However, UVC mostly gets absorbed by the ozone layer before reaching the Earth's surface. The shorter the wavelength of the radiation, the higher the energy it carries, making UVC the most energetic type of UV radiation.
UVC and Its Impact
UVC radiation, due to its short wavelength, carries a lot of energy. This high energy allows UVC to split oxygen molecules in the atmosphere. UVC鈥檚 energy is strong enough to break the bonds of molecular oxygen (O_2), resulting in two separate oxygen atoms. This splitting process plays a vital role in forming and maintaining the ozone layer. Luckily, the Earth's ozone layer is highly effective at absorbing UVC radiation, preventing it from reaching the ground. This absorption not only shields life on Earth from the harmful effects of UVC but also enables the formation of ozone molecules. Without the absorption of UVC, the higher energy radiation could cause severe damage to living cells.
The Ozone-Oxygen Cycle
The ozone-oxygen cycle is a natural process that sustains the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere. It starts when UVC radiation splits oxygen molecules (O_2) into individual oxygen atoms. These free oxygen atoms then collide with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O_3).
  • This process helps form the protective ozone layer that absorbs significant portions of UV radiation.
  • The ozone itself can also absorb UVB and UVC radiation, causing the ozone molecule to split again into an oxygen molecule and a free oxygen atom.
  • This newly freed oxygen atom can recombine with another oxygen molecule, continuing the cycle.
Thus, the cycle keeps replenishing the ozone layer and plays a crucial role in protecting life on Earth. However, human activities have threatened this natural cycle, leading to concerns about ozone depletion.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Draw the Lewis structure for each of these atoms. a. calcium b. nitrogen c. chlorine d. helium

a. What is a Dobson unit? b. Does a reading of 320 DU or 275 DU indicate more total column ozone overhead?

The text states that the odor of ozone can be detected in concentrations as low as \(10 \mathrm{ppb}\). Would you be able to smell ozone in either of these air samples? a. \(0.118 \mathrm{ppm}\) of ozone, a concentration reached in an urban area b. \(25 \mathrm{ppm}\) of ozone, a concentration measured in the stratosphere

Recent experimental evidence indicates that \(\mathrm{ClO}\) initially reacts to form \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\). a. Predict a reasonable Lewis structure for this molecule. Assume the order of atom linkage is Cl-O-O-Cl. b. What effect does this evidence have on understanding the mechanism for the catalytic destruction of ozone by \(\mathrm{ClO} \cdot\) ?

Assuming that the octet rule applies, draw the Lewis structure for each of these molecules. a. \(\mathrm{CCl}_{4}\) (carbon tetrachloride, a substance formerly used as a cleaning agent) b. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) (hydrogen peroxide, a mild disinfectant; the atoms are bonded in this order: \(\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{O}-\mathrm{H})\) c. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{~S}\) (hydrogen sulfide, a gas with the unpleasant odor of rotten eggs) d. \(\mathrm{N}_{2}\) (nitrogen gas, the major component of the atmosphere) e. HCN (hydrogen cyanide, a molecule found in space and a poisonous gas) f. \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (nitrous oxide, "laughing gas"; the atoms are bonded \(\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{O}\) ) g. \(\mathrm{CS}_{2}\) (carbon disulfide, used to kill rodents; the atoms are bonded \(S-C-S\) )
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Reactions

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.