/*! 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 17 How do CFCs affect the concentra... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 17

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
CFCs contribute to the formation of the ozone hole by releasing chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which then catalyze the conversion of ozone into oxygen. These reactions are particularly enhanced in the polar regions leading to the formation of an ozone hole.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Properties of CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are kinds of compounds that contain atoms of carbon, chlorine and fluorine. They are stable and non-reactive in the lower atmosphere, which means they can persist for a long time and be transported to the upper atmosphere (stratosphere) by winds.
02

Atmospheric Reactions of CFCs

Once they reach the stratosphere, CFCs are broken down by solar radiation or sunlight, resulting in the release of chlorine atoms. The overall reaction can be simplified as: CFCl鈧� + UV 鈫� CFCl鈧� + Cl
03

Impact on Ozone Layer

The chlorine atom released in the stratosphere has the ability to catalyze the conversion of ozone (O鈧�) into oxygen (O鈧�) without being consumed. The simplified form of this process can be represented as: \begin{align*} Cl + O鈧� &鈫� ClO + O鈧俓 ClO + O &鈫� Cl + O鈧� \end{align*}This means that the same chlorine atom can continue to catalyze the destruction of many more ozone molecules, leading to a decrease in the total amount of ozone in the stratosphere.
04

Formation of Ozone Hole

The hole in the ozone layer is mainly caused by increased concentrations of CFCs. In winter, the cold temperatures in the polar regions cause CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances to accumulate in the polar vortices. When sunlight returns in the spring, it leads to a massive depletion of the ozone layer, thus leading to the ozone hole.

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!

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

What are the major steps being taken to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles? What are the CAFE standards, and how are they changing?

What impacts does air pollution have on human health? Give the three categories of impact, and distinguish among them.

What two major acids are involved in acid deposition? Where does each come from?

What are the criteria pollutants and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and how are the standards used?

What are the major secondary pollutants, and how are they formed?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation

Living Environment

Read Explanation

Energy 91影视

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Environmental Policy

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.