Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 37

What effects do CFCs and their substitutes have on Earth's temperature?

Short Answer

Expert verified
CFCs and their substitutes, HCFCs and HFCs, both contribute to Earth's temperature. While CFCs are harmful to the ozone layer and allow more Sun's radiation to reach the Earth causing indirect warming, HCFCs and HFCs are greenhouse gases that trap heat from the Sun in the atmosphere, therefore contributing directly to the rise in Earth's temperature.

Step by step solution

01

Understand CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a type of compound that were historically used in a wide range of applications due to their stability, non-flammability, and low toxicity. However, it was discovered that they contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
02

Understand CFCs substitutes

Substitutes for CFCs were developed once it was understood that they contribute to ozone layer depletion. These substitutes are called hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These compounds are better for the ozone layer, but they come with their own set of problems. HCFCs, although less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs, still contribute to its depletion. HFCs do not affect the ozone layer but are powerful greenhouse gases.
03

Understand how these chemicals affect Earth's temperature

CFCs and their substitutes can affect Earth's temperature in two key ways. They can deplete the ozone layer, allowing more damaging radiation from the Sun to reach the Earth's surface which can indirectly affect the temperature. They can also contribute to global warming. When these molecules are in the atmosphere, they trap heat from the Sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This leads to an increase in the Earth's temperature.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Suggest ways to minimize the formation of photochemical smog.

Water and sulfur dioxide are both polar molecules and their geometry is similar. Why is \(\mathrm{SO}_{2}\) not considered a major greenhouse gas?

Describe three human activities that generate carbon dioxide. List two major mechanisms for the uptake of carbon dioxide.

Calculate the standard enthalpy of formation \(\left(\Delta H_{\mathrm{f}}^{\circ}\right)\) of \(\mathrm{ClO}\) from the following bond enthalpies: \(\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) : \(242.7 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} ; \mathrm{O}_{2}: 498.7 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} ; \mathrm{ClO}: 206 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol} .\)

On a smoggy day in a certain city the ozone concentration was 0.42 ppm by volume. Calculate the partial pressure of ozone (in atm) and the number of ozone molecules per liter of air if the temperature and pressure were \(20.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(748 \mathrm{mmHg}\) respectively.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free