answersLogoWhite

0

Regular oxygen molecues are O2; two oxygen atoms bound together. Ozone is THREE oxygen atoms bound together, so "O3". Ozone is commonly formed near high-voltage electricity like lightning strikes where the O2 molecule is broken apart, and each of the single oxygen atoms bind to an O2 molecule to form O3. Ozone also forms where oxygen is incompletely burned, such as in internal combustion engines.

O3 is VERY reactive, and so it readily breaks apart and combines with other compounds. Down low, ozone is an air pollutant, because it's an irritant to the lungs, but up high it absorbs high-energy radiation and contributes to the protective layer of our atmosphere.

Freon (the active agent in refrigeration systems) can react with the ozone and break it up. Down low, no problem, but high in the atmosphere, it degrades the "ozone layer".

However, ozone is also CREATED by high-energy radiation in the atmosphere, just as it is around lightning strikes. So the "ozone layer" problem is generally not as serious as some of the fanatics want to claim.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What do you call damage to the ozone layer?

damage to ozone layer is called ozone depletion. It is thinning of ozone layer.


What is causing damage to the ozone layer?

CFC's are causing damage to ozone layer. They react with ozone to deplete it.


What causes damage the ozone layer?

CFC's cause damage to ozone layer. They react with ozone to deplete it.


What are the disadvantages of refilling freon 12 instead of 134 in a 134 freon designed car after pipes were rewelded after a leakage and no oil was put in with the freon?

It is illegal to use #12 due to damage to ozone layer


What effect do air conditioning gases have on the ozone layer?

The gas that used to be used in air conditioners and refrigerators, freon, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) would damage the ozone layer. Chlorine would separate from the gas and attack the ozone molecules. These gases are no longer used in air conditioning units. If no further damage occurs the ozone layer will have repaired itself by 2060.


How does freon-113 cause depletion of the ozone layer?

Freons release fluorides which reach the ozone layer. They then form the oxides with ozone and deplete it.


What damage does the ozone layer create or can create?

The ozone does not create any damage. It is a layer of protection.


What are refrigerants that damage the ozone layer are called?

Many refrigerants cause damage to the ozone layer. These are CFC's.


Is R12 Freon dangerous?

R-12 is dangerous to the ozone layer.


Why does the ozone layer disappear?

ozone layer disappears due to man made chemicals. These are CFC's that damage the ozone layer.


What does the damage in the ozone layer remind us?

The damage in the ozone layer reminds us that our actions as humans have consequences.


What originally damages the ozone layer?

The CFC's by humans damage the ozone layer. They react with ozone to deplete it.