0
Ozone is produced in the upper atmosphere when ultraviolet radiation from the sun is absorbed by oxygen molecules. Oxygen molecules are good at absorbing UV radiation but the energy is just the right wavelength to break the bond between the two oxygen atoms resulting in 2 free radical oxygen atoms. These oxygen radicals then react with normal oxygen atoms to produce ozone. (They may also recombine to re-form oxygen or react with existing ozone molecules to re-form normal oxygen.) Ozone is even better than normal oxygen at absorbing UV radiation and thus helps shield us from excessive UV radiation. When it does, it breaks down to form a normal oxygen atom and a new oxygen radical - which can then later react to re-form some new ozone.
Halogenated gases - hydrocarbons with one or more hydrogens replaced by halogens like chlorine and especially those with fluorine are very stable in the lower atmosphere. They have been popular as solvents, degreasers, and refrigerants because they are non-flammable and very stable. Because they are so stable, they tend to stay in the atmosphere for a long time once they evaporate. Eventually they diffuse up into the high atmosphere where the energy of the sunlight is much more intense - intense enough to start breaking them down and forming radicals from the halogen atoms.
These halogen atoms compete with the reactions that produce ozone to accelerate the breakdown of ozone and soak up oxygen radicals that would otherwise form ozone.
As an example - if the halogen is chlorine:
O2 + hv " border="0">O + O (1)O+O2" border="0">O3 (2)O+O" border="0">O2 (3)O+O3 " border="0">2O2 (4)O3 + hv " border="0">O2 + O (5)Cl+O3" border="0">O2+ClO (6)ClO+O" border="0">Cl+O2 (7)Reaction 6 breaks down ozone like reactions 4 and 5, but unlike 5, it doesn't yield a new oxygen radical to be used to make more ozone - instead, it produces ClO which then (by way of reaction 7) competes with reaction 2 to soak up the available oxygen radicals that could form new ozone. Note that when reaction 7 occurs, it produces a new chlorine radical to promote reaction 6. Eventually the chlorine radicals may combine with something else to produce a more stable molecule - perhaps HCl - but in the meantime they can go through a lot of cycles of inhibiting ozone formation and promoting ozone destruction.
What else can I help you with?
What is interfering with the ozone layer?
The ozone depleting substances are interfering with ozone. They destroy the ozone.
How does popping bubble wrap destroy the ozone layer?
Popping bubble wrap does not destroy the ozone layer. The ozone layer is primarily affected by the release of ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons, not by the act of popping bubble wrap.
How does plastic destroy ozen layer?
Plastic does not directly destroy the ozone layer. However, when plastic is incinerated, it can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which can deplete the ozone layer. Additionally, plastic pollution can indirectly contribute to ozone layer destruction by promoting climate change, which can affect the stability of the ozone layer.
Are CEC's good top the ozone layer?
CECs (chlorinated ethenes and ethanes) are not considered beneficial to the ozone layer. They can deplete the ozone layer by releasing chlorine atoms when they break down in the atmosphere, which can then destroy ozone molecules. It is important to minimize the release of CECs to protect the ozone layer and overall environmental health.
Do CFCs strengthen the ozone layer?
No, the chlorine and other chemicals in CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) destroy the ozone molecules and weaken the ozone layer.
What can destroy the ozone?
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) destroy ozone in the ozone layer.
How can chloroflourocarbons destroy an ozone?
Yes, CFCs can destroy the ozone layer. They react with ozone present in ozone layer and decompose it.
Why do you destroy the ozone layer?
You don't destroy ozone layer. It is vital for life on earth.
Do yoou know That cfc destroy the ozone layer?
Yes.CFC's destroy the ozone layer.
Do meteor showers destroy the ozone layer?
No, it does not destroy. The ozone layer is present in stratosphere. No meteor shower can destroy it.
What chemicals have destroyed the ozone layer?
The chemicals that destroy the ozone layer are CFC's. These CFC's are cholorofluorocarbons which react with ozone to destroy it.
What type of things can destroy it the ozone layer?
CFC's destroy ozone. They react with ozone and deplete it.
How does hcfc destroy ozone layer?
HCFC do not destroy ozone. They are an alternative to CFC's.
What type of thinking can the ozone layer be destroy by?
The ozone layer can be destroyed by CFC's. They react with ozone.
Where can the gases be found that destroy the ozone layer?
The gases that destroy ozone are CFC's. They react with ozone to deplete it.
How have you affected the ozone layer?
We have affected ozone layer by CFC's. These are man made chemicals that destroy ozone.
How are the chlorofluorcarbons harming the ozone layer?
The Chlorofluorocarbons are harming the ozone layer. They decompose into halogens which destroy ozone.
