How does chlorine atom destroy ozone?

How does chlorine atom destroy ozone?

Chlorine is able to destroy so much of the ozone because it acts as a catalyst. Chlorine initiates the breakdown of ozone and combines with a freed oxygen to create two oxygen molecules. After each reaction, chlorine begins the destructive cycle again with another ozone molecule.

What atom can destroy up to 10000 ozone molecules?

chlorine atom
One chlorine atom has the potential to destroy 10,000 or more molecules of ozone before it returns to the troposphere. As more and more of the ozone is depleted, the ozone layer gets thinner and lets more of the sun’s ultraviolet rays reach the earth’s surface.

What happens to ozone when it reacts to chlorine?

Chlorine and bromine destroy ozone in cata- lytic reactions that allow each atom to destroy many thousands of ozone molecules (see Q9).

Does ozone react with chlorine in water?

Ozone reacts with free aqueous chlorine when present as hypochlorite ion (OCl−) with a second order rate constant of 120 ± 15 M−1 s−1 at 20°C. About 77% of the chlorine reacts to produce Cl− and 23% is oxidized to ClO−3. No ClO−4 is formed. Rate data for other chloramines are also presented.

How CFCs affect the ozone layer?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global climate.

Is chlorine free radical a catalyst in the destruction of ozone?

Ozone Destruction Thus, the atomic chlorine radical regenerates; a single chlorine can keep destroying ozone (acting as a catalyst) for up to two years. The overall effect is a decrease in the amount of ozone, though null cycles can decrease the rate of these processes.

Does pool chlorine destroy ozone?

Chlorine from swimming pools, industrial plants, sea salt, and volcanoes does not reach the stratosphere. Chlorine compounds from these sources readily combine with water and repeated measurements show that they rain out of the troposphere very quickly. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules.

Which form of chlorine is most reactive to ozone?

ClO, the most reactive gas in ozone depletion, is a small fraction of available chlorine.

Can you mix ozone and chlorine?

Combining ozone and chlorine for drinking water treatment improves water quality while still maintaining the down stream benefits of chlorine in the water distribution system.

How many ozone molecules can a CFC molecule destroy?

Computer models from experts in the field analyze that a single CFC molecule is able to destroy up to about one hundred thousand ozone molecules.

How is the ozone destroyed in the stratosphere?

Ozone Depletion. When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere. Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally created.

How many oxygen atoms are in an ozone molecule?

Ozone is a molecule that contains three oxygen atoms. At any given time, ozone molecules are constantly formed and destroyed in the stratosphere. The total amount has remained relatively stable during the decades that it has been measured.

What causes chlorine atoms to break apart in the atmosphere?

When these CFCs are released into the atmosphere and brought up to the stratosphere by strong winds the ultraviolet radiation from the sun hits the CFC molecule. This causes a chlorine atom to break apart from the chlorine molecule. When the chlorine atom breaks apart it travels freely around the atmosphere trying to find a partner to bond with.