The Ozone Layer: Essential Knowledge

<p>Ozone is composed of three oxygen atoms ($O_3$), whereas breathable oxygen is composed of two oxygen atoms ($O_2$). (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Manufactured chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could break down ozone molecules in the atmosphere. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Stratosphere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Dobson Unit (DU) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides, VOCs, and UV radiation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Chlorine from CFCs catalyzes the breakdown of ozone molecules in the presence of UV light. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>It filters out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Montreal Protocol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Increased frequency and severity of sunburn and skin cancer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Over the Antarctic during spring (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Nitrogen Dioxide ($NO_2$) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Lower densities near the tropics and higher densities towards the poles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A layer in the Earth's atmosphere that protects life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy emitted by the sun, some of which is harmful to living things.

Ozone is a gas made up of three oxygen atoms (O3). It is different from the oxygen we breathe, which has only two oxygen atoms (O2).

In the 1970s, scientists discovered that certain chemicals, like CFCs used in aerosol sprays, could break down the ozone layer, leading to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic chemicals that have been linked to ozone depletion. They were once widely used in products like refrigerators and aerosols but are now banned in many countries.

The layer of the atmosphere containing a high concentration of ozone (O3), located about 10-30 miles above Earth's surface.

A chemical compound containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, which can destroy ozone molecules in the atmosphere.

A region of the stratosphere over Antarctica where ozone concentrations are significantly depleted, particularly during the spring.

A chemical reaction involving UV light and CFCs that breaks down ozone molecules into oxygen molecules. This process depletes the ozone layer.

A global agreement signed in 1987 to phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances, primarily CFCs.

A measure of the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, expressed in Dobson Units (DU).

The process of ozone formation through a chemical reaction involving oxygen (O2) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The movement of ozone from the tropics towards the poles, driven by atmospheric circulation.

The adverse effects of increased UV radiation reaching Earth due to ozone layer depletion, such as skin cancer and cataracts in humans and damage to plants.

The chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of UV radiation, leading to the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant.