Show the steps in the chain reaction (discovered by Rowland and Molina) that destroys the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere. CF2C12 (catalytic) + O3 + gamma rays => O2 (equation not balanced)

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Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
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**Title: Understanding the Ozone Destruction Chain Reaction**

**Introduction:**
Explore the steps in the chain reaction discovered by Rowland and Molina that lead to the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere. This crucial process affects the Earth's protective ozone layer, which shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

**Chemical Reaction:**
The reaction can be represented as follows:

\( \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2 \) (catalytic) + \( \text{O}_3 \) + gamma rays \(\rightarrow \text{O}_2 \)

**Note:**
- The equation above is not balanced, indicating that additional steps are involved in the complete reaction process.

**Detailed Explanation:**
1. **Initiation:**
   - UV light or gamma rays break down \( \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2 \) (a chlorofluorocarbon or CFC), releasing chlorine atoms.

2. **Propagation:**
   - The chlorine atom then reacts with ozone (\( \text{O}_3 \)), converting it into oxygen (\( \text{O}_2 \)) and forming chlorine monoxide (ClO).
   - \( \text{Cl} + \text{O}_3 \rightarrow \text{ClO} + \text{O}_2 \)

3. **Cycle Continuation:**
   - The ClO reacts with a free oxygen atom (\( \text{O} \)), regenerating the chlorine atom and producing more \( \text{O}_2 \).
   - \( \text{ClO} + \text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl} + \text{O}_2 \)

4. **Result:**
   - The regenerated chlorine atom can continue the cycle, leading to further depletion of ozone. This chain reaction can repeatedly occur, causing significant ozone layer thinning.

**Conclusion:**
Understanding and addressing the chemical processes that destroy ozone is essential for protecting our environment and mitigating the effects of increased UV radiation.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding the Ozone Destruction Chain Reaction** **Introduction:** Explore the steps in the chain reaction discovered by Rowland and Molina that lead to the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere. This crucial process affects the Earth's protective ozone layer, which shields us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. **Chemical Reaction:** The reaction can be represented as follows: \( \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2 \) (catalytic) + \( \text{O}_3 \) + gamma rays \(\rightarrow \text{O}_2 \) **Note:** - The equation above is not balanced, indicating that additional steps are involved in the complete reaction process. **Detailed Explanation:** 1. **Initiation:** - UV light or gamma rays break down \( \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2 \) (a chlorofluorocarbon or CFC), releasing chlorine atoms. 2. **Propagation:** - The chlorine atom then reacts with ozone (\( \text{O}_3 \)), converting it into oxygen (\( \text{O}_2 \)) and forming chlorine monoxide (ClO). - \( \text{Cl} + \text{O}_3 \rightarrow \text{ClO} + \text{O}_2 \) 3. **Cycle Continuation:** - The ClO reacts with a free oxygen atom (\( \text{O} \)), regenerating the chlorine atom and producing more \( \text{O}_2 \). - \( \text{ClO} + \text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl} + \text{O}_2 \) 4. **Result:** - The regenerated chlorine atom can continue the cycle, leading to further depletion of ozone. This chain reaction can repeatedly occur, causing significant ozone layer thinning. **Conclusion:** Understanding and addressing the chemical processes that destroy ozone is essential for protecting our environment and mitigating the effects of increased UV radiation.
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