All Flashcards
What are the steps of CFC-mediated ozone depletion?
- UV radiation breaks chlorine off CFCs. 2. Chlorine steals an oxygen from ozone (O3), forming chlorine monoxide (ClO). 3. ClO steals another oxygen, freeing chlorine to repeat the cycle.
Describe the natural ozone cycle.
- O3 + electromagnetic radiation -> O + O2. 2. O + O2 -> O3. Ozone is constantly being created and destroyed.
What is the stratosphere?
Layer of Earth's atmosphere containing the ozone layer.
What is ozone (O3)?
A molecule made of three oxygen atoms that absorbs UV radiation.
What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
Harmful radiation from the sun absorbed by the ozone layer.
What are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?
Man-made chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.
What is chlorine monoxide (ClO)?
A compound formed when chlorine steals an oxygen atom from ozone.
What is ozone depletion?
The thinning of the ozone layer due to human activities.
What is the role of the ozone layer?
To absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
Why are CFCs harmful to the ozone layer?
They release chlorine atoms that catalyze ozone destruction.
What is the natural ozone cycle?
The continuous splitting and reforming of ozone molecules.
Why is the ozone layer important for life on Earth?
It protects living organisms from harmful UV radiation.
How does UV radiation affect human health?
It can cause skin cancer and cataracts.
Why were CFCs initially used?
They were used in aerosol sprays and refrigerants due to their stability.
What property of CFCs allows them to reach the stratosphere?
Their high stability prevents them from breaking down in the lower atmosphere.