Ozone

Question 15 • SC332 Environmental Science B

Why are small quantities of chlorofluorocarbons so harmful to the ozone layer?

Answer

The chlorofluorocarbons act like ultraviolet radiation causing large amount of ozone to be produced.

The chlorine from the chlorofluorocarbons reacts with free molecules of oxygen causing a stop in ozone production.

Free oxygen atoms can replace the chlorine in chlorine monoxide, releasing a free atom of chlorine which can then recombine with an oxygen atom in ozone, destroying more ozone.

Chlorofluorocarbons absorb ultraviolet radiation, preventing the formation of ozone.

Explanation

A chlorine atom released from a chlorofluorocarbon reacts with ozone to form chlorine monoxide and oxygen. A free oxygen atom then reacts with chlorine monoxide, releasing the chlorine atom again. Because the chlorine is regenerated, it can repeat the cycle and destroy many ozone molecules; this is why even small quantities of chlorofluorocarbons are harmful.

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