What are the stages of ozone breakdown by CFCs?
The stratospheric ozone depletion process begins with the emission of halogen source gases by human activities and natural processes. Those emitted by human activities are also called ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Subsequent steps are accumulation, transport, conversion, chemical reaction, and removal.
Which element in CFC causes ozone depletion?
CFC-11, with an ozone depleting potential of 1.0, is used as the base figure for measuring ozone depleting potential. The higher the number, the more damage a chemical can cause to the ozone layer. Bromotrifluoromethane (halon‑1301) has an ozone depleting potential of 10.0.
What causes ozone depletion Besides CFCs?
Certain industrial processes and consumer products result in the emission of “halogen source gases” to the atmosphere. These gases bring chlorine and bromine to the stratosphere, which cause depletion of the ozone layer.
What happens during ozone depletion?
Ozone depletion is a major environmental problem because it increases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches Earth’s surface, which increases the rate of skin cancer, eye cataracts, and genetic and immune system damage. …
How ozone is depleted?
Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs are the main cause of ozone layer depletion. These are released by solvents, spray aerosols, refrigerators, air-conditioners, etc. The molecules of chlorofluorocarbons in the stratosphere are broken down by the ultraviolet radiations and release chlorine atoms.
Why ozone is unstable?
Ozone is thermodynamically less stable than oxygen because its decomposition into oxygen results in the liberation of heat. Ozone consists of three molecules of oxygen and thus in this its in unstable state so in order to get stable it gives up its one molecule of oxygen to restore diatomic state.
Which gas is destroying the ozone layer?
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
The main ozone-depleting gases are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).
What is ozone depletion and its causes?
Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons—gases formerly found in aerosol spray cans and refrigerants—are released into the atmosphere (see details below). CFCs and halons cause chemical reactions that break down ozone molecules, reducing ozone’s ultraviolet radiation-absorbing capacity.
What are the causes and effects of ozone depletion?
Explanation: Ozone depletion is primarily caused by human activities. The main effect of ozone depletion is an increase in UV-B rays reaching the earth’s surface. Causes : chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs), halons, and other compounds deplete the ozone layer.
How do humans destroy the ozone layer?
Human activities cause the emission of halogen source gases that contain chlorine and bromine atoms. These emissions into the atmosphere ultimately lead to stratospheric ozone depletion. The source gases that con- tain only carbon, chlorine, and fluorine are called “chlo- rofluorocarbons,” usually abbreviated as CFCs.