Question

This chemical was found in the upper stratosphere and that indicates that the ozone layer is being destroyed. Which of the following chemicals could be responsible for this?

1) chlorine monoxide
2) carbon monoxide
3) carbon dioxide
4) nitrogen dioxide

Answer 1

Chlorine monoxide is the chemical found in the upper stratosphere responsible for ozone layer destruction, occurring through reactions involving chlorine released from substances like CFCs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical found in the upper stratosphere that indicates the ozone layer is being destroyed is chlorine monoxide. The depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer occurs mainly due to the presence of man-made substances that release halogen radicals such as chlorine and bromine. These chemicals participate in catalytic reactions that lead to the breakdown of ozone molecules (O3), allowing more ultraviolet radiation to reach the Earth's surface. One such class of chemicals that have caused significant ozone depletion are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which release chlorine atoms when they decompose under ultraviolet light. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone, leading to a net removal of ozone molecules from the stratosphere. As a result, the correct answer is chlorine monoxide (1).