What are the reactions involved in the ozone layer depletion in the stratosphere?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In the stratosphere,ozone is formed by the action of $UV$ radiation on dioxygen as:
$(i) \, O_{2(g)} \xrightarrow{UV} O_{(g)} + O_{(g)}$
$(ii) \, O_{2(g)} + O_{(g)} \rightarrow{UV} O_{3(g)}$
Reaction $(ii)$ indicates the dynamic equilibrium existing between the production and decomposition of ozone molecules. Any factor that disturbs this equilibrium may cause depletion of the ozone layer. One such factor is the release of chlorofluorocarbon compounds $(CFCs)$. These are non-reactive,non-flammable molecules used in refrigerators,air conditioners,plastics,and electronic industries.
Once released,$CFCs$ mix with atmospheric gases and reach the stratosphere,where they are decomposed by $UV$ radiation:
$(iii) \, CF_{2}Cl_{2(g)} \xrightarrow{UV} \dot{Cl}_{(g)} + \dot{C}F_{2}Cl_{(g)}$
The chlorine free radical produced in reaction $(iii)$ reacts with ozone as:
$(iv) \, \dot{Cl}_{(g)} + O_{3(g)} \to Cl\dot{O}_{(g)} + O_{2(g)}$
$(v) \, Cl\dot{O}_{(g)} + O_{(g)} \to \dot{Cl}_{(g)} + O_{2(g)}$
The regeneration of $\dot{Cl}_{(g)}$ radicals causes a continuous breakdown of ozone present in the stratosphere,leading to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Explore More

Similar Questions

$A$ large number of fish are suddenly found floating dead on a lake. There is no evidence of toxic dumping,but you find an abundance of phytoplankton. Suggest a reason for the fish kill.

Determine whether the following statements are true or false:
$(1)$ The lowest region of the atmosphere where all living organisms,including humans,reside is called the troposphere.
$(2)$ The troposphere extends up to a distance of $25 \ km$ from sea level.
$(3)$ The region between $10 \ km$ and $50 \ km$ from sea level is called the stratosphere.
$(4)$ The ozone layer that protects living organisms is located in the troposphere.

The common components of photochemical smog are

An increase in the concentration of $CO_2$ in the atmosphere will result in ........

Fill in the blanks:
$(1)$ The types of smog are ..... and ..... .
$(2)$ Ozone in the air reacts with hydrocarbons to form ...... and ...... .
$(3)$ Harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun cause a type of skin cancer known as ...... .
$(4)$ Chlorofluorocarbon compounds are also called .......... .

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo