Chapter 11, Problem 36R

To determine

To Explain: The event chain about the destruction of ozone molecules in the ozone layer by CFC molecules.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

In Earth’s atmosphere, the ozone layer can be defined as that protective layer that absorbs the harmful UV radiations from the Sun.

  

Firstly, CFCs are released into the air and the UV radiations hit the CFCs breaking them to release the chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with the ozone molecule to form the carbon monoxide as follows:

  $\text{Cl}+{\text{O}}_3\to \text{ClO}+{\text{O}}_2$

Hence, the carbon monoxide then reacts with an oxygen atom as follows:

  $\text{ClO}+\text{O}\to \text{Cl}+{\text{O}}_2$

Conclusion:

Hence, the events in the chain above results in converting ozone to oxygen atoms.