Which of the following leads to significant damage to the ozone layer in the atmosphere?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Correct Answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
CFCs (used in refrigerants, aerosols, foam packaging) are the main culprits in ozone layer depletion.
Mechanism:
- CFCs rise to the stratosphere and are broken down by UV radiation, releasing chlorine (Cl) atoms.
- Cl + O₃ → ClO + O₂
- ClO + O → Cl + O₂
- One Cl atom can destroy thousands of O₃ molecules (catalytic cycle).
The Montreal Protocol (1987) was signed to phase out CFC production globally.
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