All Flashcards
What are the steps of the natural ozone cycle?
- O3 splits into O + O2. 2. O + O2 reforms into O3.
How do CFCs destroy ozone?
- UV radiation breaks Cl off CFC. 2. Cl + O3 -> ClO + O2. 3. ClO + O3 -> Cl + 2 O2.
What is the role of the ozone layer?
Absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, protecting life on Earth.
Why are CFCs harmful to the ozone layer?
CFCs release chlorine atoms that catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
Explain the natural ozone cycle.
Ozone molecules are constantly split by UV radiation into O + O2, and then reformed back into O3.
What is the significance of atmospheric layers?
Understanding the layers helps explain weather patterns and where different pollutants concentrate.
Why were CFCs so widely used?
They were stable, non-toxic, and effective as refrigerants and propellants.
How does ozone depletion affect ecosystems?
Increased UV radiation can damage plant life and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
What is the ozone layer?
A region in the stratosphere containing high concentrations of ozone (O3), protecting Earth from harmful UV radiation.
What are CFCs?
Chlorofluorocarbons: man-made chemicals formerly used in refrigerants and aerosols, known for depleting the ozone layer.
What is UV radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation: electromagnetic radiation from the sun that can be harmful to living organisms.
What is the stratosphere?
Layer of atmosphere above troposphere, contains the ozone layer.
Define ozone depletion.
The thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere, primarily caused by human-produced chemicals like CFCs.