Chapter 19: Problem 17

How is the protective ozone shield formed? What causes its natural breakdown?

Short Answer

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The protective ozone shield is formed through the ozone-oxygen cycle, where sunlight disassociates molecular oxygen into individual atoms that then combine to form ozone. The ozone is then broken down back into molecular oxygen, with potential catalyzation by substances such as halogens. This process can be accelerated and exacerbated by human-produced compounds that carry these halogens into the upper atmosphere.

Step by step solution

Explanation of the Formation of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer is formed through a process known as the 'ozone-oxygen cycle.' Sunlight (specifically high energy ultraviolet (UV) light) disassociates molecular oxygen (\(O_2\)) into individual oxygen atoms. This is written chemically as: \(O_2 + uv light -> 2O\). These oxygen atoms can then react with other molecular oxygen to form ozone (\(O_3\)). This is represented as: \(O_2 + O -> O_3\). This ozone can then absorb UV light, breaking down back into \(O_2\) and O. This cycling of reactions forms and maintains our protective ozone layer.

Explanation of the Natural Breakdown of the Ozone Layer

The ozone layer undergoes natural breakdown, primarily through reactions that cycle ozone back into molecular oxygen. This is part of the ozone-oxygen cycle described in the previous step. Additionally, certain substances, such as halogens (chlorine and bromine), can catalyze the breakdown of ozone. This is particularly problematic when human-produced halogen-containing compounds (like CFCs) are introduced into the upper atmosphere. These allow for the increased breakdown of ozone into oxygen, leading to thinning of the ozone layer and the formation of the 'ozone hole'.

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How is the protective ozone shield formed? What causes its natural breakdown?

Short Answer

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Explanation of the Formation of the Ozone Layer

Explanation of the Natural Breakdown of the Ozone Layer

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