Question

HFCs ____________________;

A) will not damage stratospheric o-zone, but have a high GWP.
B) Are only harmful to ground level O-Zone.
C) Will damage stratospheric O-Zone and have a low GWP.
D) Will not deplete stratospheric ozone and have a low GWP.

Answer 1

HFCs do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer because they do not contain chlorine or bromine, but they have a high Global Warming Potential, making them potent greenhouse gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

HFCs, or hydrofluorocarbons, are a type of organofluorine compound that has been used to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other compounds that were found to have a substantial depleting effect on the stratospheric ozone layer. Unlike CFCs, HFCs do not contain chlorine or bromine atoms; therefore, they do not participate in ozone depletion in the stratosphere. However, HFCs do have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP), which makes them potent greenhouse gases that can contribute significantly to global warming.

The correct answer to the student's question is: HFCs will not damage stratospheric ozone, but have a high GWP.