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Scientists have performed experiments under conditions that they believe replicate the conditions in the upper atmosphere where the presence of chlorine and bromine radicals (created when solar radiation breaks them free from the molecules they were once part of) and ice crystals catalyzes a more rapid decomposition of ozone (O3) back to simple oxygen molecules (O2). In all honesty, scientists don't KNOW that Cl and Br actually do that in the upper atmosphere, but the evidence is very strong based on existing research. Theoretically, the halogenated hydrocarbons that contain these atoms are very stable and can persist long enough remain intact for the years it may take them to diffuse into the upper atmosphere and be decomposed as theorized in the experiments.

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How do volcanoes cause ozone layer depletion?

Volcanos release chlorine and bromine which react with ozone. This depletes ozone layer.


Why did scientists think that the thinning of the ozone layer might be related to CFC's?

Scientists believed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere could break down the ozone layer due to their ability to release chlorine atoms when exposed to ultraviolet light. These chlorine atoms can then destroy ozone molecules, leading to thinning of the ozone layer. This theory was supported by observations of higher levels of chlorine in the stratosphere where the ozone layer is located.


Which of the refrigerants causes the most damage to the ozone layer?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are refrigerants that cause the most damage to the ozone layer. These substances break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, leading to the formation of the ozone hole.


What are the effects fluorocarbons have on the ozone layer?

Not all fluorocarbons contain the halogens chlorine or bromine. Only those compounds that contain chlorine or bromine can have adverse effects on ozone.Fluorocarbons are sometimes present in the ozone layer as both chloro- and bromo- fluoridated species. Of the three halogen species present (fluorine, chlorine, and bromine) only the chlorine and bromine participate in the breakdown of ozone. Due to its stability in compounds, fluorine has no known adverse impact on ozone. Bromine is from 10 to 100 times more impactful than chlorine.The process of ozone degradation is the release of chlorine or bromine from the source molecule by the action of sunlight. These free radicals convert ozone to oxygen and atomic oxygen. The atomic oxygen can free more chlorine or bromine. Because the CFC's are just a catalyst in the reaction, they can continue to deplete the ozone layer for some time.


What is the environmentally unfriendly component of chlorinated fluorocarbons that ultimately damages ozone?

The chlorine atom in chlorinated fluorocarbons is the environmentally unfriendly component that damages the ozone layer. When these compounds are released into the atmosphere, the chlorine atoms can catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to ozone depletion.

Related Questions

How do volcanoes cause ozone layer depletion?

Volcanos release chlorine and bromine which react with ozone. This depletes ozone layer.


By what process does Freon destroy the ozone layer?

Please see the related questions below. Not all "freons" contain either chlorine or bromine, so your question has no answer. Chlorine or bromine is required in the molecule for "freons" to be an ozone depleter.


Which pollutants affect the ozone layer?

Chlorine and bromine in the man-made gases like halons and freons (CFCs).


Why did scientists think that the thinning of the ozone layer might be related to CFC's?

Scientists believed that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released into the atmosphere could break down the ozone layer due to their ability to release chlorine atoms when exposed to ultraviolet light. These chlorine atoms can then destroy ozone molecules, leading to thinning of the ozone layer. This theory was supported by observations of higher levels of chlorine in the stratosphere where the ozone layer is located.


What gasses make the hole in the ozone layer?

Gases such as CFCs, nitrous oxide, hydroxl, chlorine, and bromine are the main "hole" creators. These are produced naturally, in industrial applications, and by some consumer products. Carbon dioxide does not deplete the ozone. It does increase the green house effect but has a negligible effect on ozone depletion.


Which of the refrigerants causes the most damage to the ozone layer?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are refrigerants that cause the most damage to the ozone layer. These substances break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere, leading to the formation of the ozone hole.


What are the effects fluorocarbons have on the ozone layer?

Not all fluorocarbons contain the halogens chlorine or bromine. Only those compounds that contain chlorine or bromine can have adverse effects on ozone.Fluorocarbons are sometimes present in the ozone layer as both chloro- and bromo- fluoridated species. Of the three halogen species present (fluorine, chlorine, and bromine) only the chlorine and bromine participate in the breakdown of ozone. Due to its stability in compounds, fluorine has no known adverse impact on ozone. Bromine is from 10 to 100 times more impactful than chlorine.The process of ozone degradation is the release of chlorine or bromine from the source molecule by the action of sunlight. These free radicals convert ozone to oxygen and atomic oxygen. The atomic oxygen can free more chlorine or bromine. Because the CFC's are just a catalyst in the reaction, they can continue to deplete the ozone layer for some time.


Effect of cfcs in your ozone layer?

CFC's decompose into Chlorine and Fluorine. They react with ozone and deplete it.


What is the effect of CFC to the ozone layer?

CFCs release chlorine and fluorine move to the ozone layer. There these elements react with ozone to form compounds and the ozone layer is depleted.


Why did scientists think that the thinning of the ozone layer might be related to CFCs?

They think that because of its components. It contains Chlorine which depletes the ozone.


What is the environmentally unfriendly component of chlorinated fluorocarbons that ultimately damages ozone?

The chlorine atom in chlorinated fluorocarbons is the environmentally unfriendly component that damages the ozone layer. When these compounds are released into the atmosphere, the chlorine atoms can catalyze the breakdown of ozone molecules, leading to ozone depletion.


What is the name of chemical compound which is responsible for the depletion of ozoned layer?

The chemical compound responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer is chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halocarbons. These compounds contain chlorine and bromine atoms that can break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere.