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What are the reactions involved for ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere? |
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Answer» Solution :The main reason of ozone layer depletion is belived to be the release of chlorofluorocarbon compounds (CFCs), also known as freons. These compounds are nonreaction non-flammable, non toxic organic MOLECULES. These are used in refrigerators, air conditioners in the production of plastic foam and by the electronic INDUSTRY for cleaing computer parts. CFCs are released in the atmosphere, they mix with the normal atmospheric gases and EVENTUALLY reach the stratosphere. In stratosphere, they get broken down by powerful UV radiations, releasing chlorine free radical. `CF_2 Cl_(2(g)) overset(UV)to overset(*)Cl_((g)) + overset(*)CF_2 CL_((g)) ""....(i)` The chlorine radical then react with stratospheric ozone to form chlorine MONOXIDE radicals and molecular oxygen. `overset(*)Cl_((g)) + O_(3(g)) to Cloverset(*)O_((g)) + O_(2(g)) ""......(ii) ` Reaction of chlorine monoxide radical with atomic oxygen produces more chlorine radicals. `Cloverset(*)O_((g)) + O_((g)) to overset(*)Cl_((g)) + O_(2(g)) "".....(iii)` The chlorine radicals are continuously regenerated and cause the breakdown of ozone. Thus, CFCs are transporting agents for continuously generating chlorine radicals into the stratosphere and damaging the ozone layer. |
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