Question

Explain how a small amount of chlorofluorocarbons can destroy a large amount of ozone.

Answer 1

The chlorine in chlorofluorocarbons is broken from the molecule by ultraviolet radiation. The free chlorine then combines with an oxygen atom from ozone, leaving an oxygen molecule and forming chlorine monoxide. Free molecules of oxygen can displace the chlorine in chlorine monoxide, leaving chlorine free to break up another molecule of ozone. One chlorine atom can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules.

Answer 2

Chlorofluorocarbons are more commonly known as CFCs. CFCs were once used as refrigerants, propellants (in aerosol applications), and solvents. Once CFCs enter the atmosphere, they slowly rise to the stratosphere. Here, ultraviolet radiation causes the break up of CFCs into their individual chlorine atoms. The chlorine atoms cause the catalytic destruction of ozone.