Ozone Layer

Total Questions: 47

21. Which one of the following gases is responsible for the decrement in the ozone layer? [U.P.R.O./A.R.O. (Pre) 2014]

Correct Answer: (b) Chlorofluorocarbons
Solution:Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, through several chemical reactions, cause the ozone molecules to break down, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation absorbing capacity.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic organic molecules. They are therefore used in refrigerators and air conditioners, in the production of plastic foam, and by the electronic industry for cleaning computer parts. The most common Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115.

CFCs transport agents that continuously generate chlorine radicals into the stratosphere and damage the ozone layer. One free Chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do much damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time. CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years.

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ODSs like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The worldwide production of CFCs has been prohibited since 2010. In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide.

22. Which of the following gas is responsible for the depletion of Ozone Layer?

Correct Answer: (d) Chlorofluorocarbon
Solution:Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, through several chemical reactions, cause the ozone molecules to break down, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation absorbing capacity.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic organic molecules. They are therefore used in refrigerators and air conditioners, in the production of plastic foam, and by the electronic industry for cleaning computer parts. The most common Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115.

CFCs transport agents that continuously generate chlorine radicals into the stratosphere and damage the ozone layer. One free Chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do much damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time. CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years.

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ODSs like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The worldwide production of CFCs has been prohibited since 2010. In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide.

23. The Pollutants causing maximum damage to the ozone layer are- [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2015]

Correct Answer: (d) Chlorofluorocarbons
Solution:Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, through several chemical reactions, cause the ozone molecules to break down, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation absorbing capacity.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic organic molecules. They are therefore used in refrigerators and air conditioners, in the production of plastic foam, and by the electronic industry for cleaning computer parts. The most common Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115.

CFCs transport agents that continuously generate chlorine radicals into the stratosphere and damage the ozone layer. One free Chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do much damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time. CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years.

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ODSs like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The worldwide production of CFCs has been prohibited since 2010. In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide.

24. The presence of which of the following degrades ozone From ozonosphere? [U.P.P.S.C. (GIC) 2009]

Correct Answer: (c) Chlorofluorocarbons
Solution:Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, through several chemical reactions, cause the ozone molecules to break down, reducing ozone's ultraviolet radiation absorbing capacity.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are non-reactive, non-flammable, non-toxic organic molecules. They are therefore used in refrigerators and air conditioners, in the production of plastic foam, and by the electronic industry for cleaning computer parts. The most common Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and CFC-115.

CFCs transport agents that continuously generate chlorine radicals into the stratosphere and damage the ozone layer. One free Chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do much damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time. CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years.

The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, is a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by eliminating the production and consumption of ODSs like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). The worldwide production of CFCs has been prohibited since 2010. In 2016, Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide.

25. Ozone layer of upper atmosphere is being destroyed by which of the following? [R.O./A.R.O. (Mains) 2017]

Correct Answer: (c) Chlorofluorocarbons
Solution:When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere.

Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally created. Some compounds release chlorine or bromine when they are exposed to intense UV light in the stratosphere.

These compounds contribute to ozone depletion, and are called ozone- depleting substances (ODS). ODS that release chlorine include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform. ODS that release bromine include halons and methyl bromide.

Although ODS are emitted at the Earth's surface, they are eventually carried into the stratosphere in a process that can take as long as two to five years.

26. Which one of the following is not responsible for the depletion of ozone layer: [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2002, U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2002]

Correct Answer: (b) Methy1 chloroform used as a solvent
Solution:The ozone layer in the atmosphere prevents harmful ultraviolet rays from reaching the Earth's surface. It thus safeguards life on Earth. Gases responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer are- CFC, Halon - 1211,1301, Nitrous oxide, Trichloroethane etc.

Methyl chloroform, also known as 1,1,1-trichloroethane, is a colorless, non-flammable liquid that was once widely used as a solvent and in various industrial applications. It has the chemical formula CH₃CCl₃. While considered less toxic than other haloalkane solvents, it has been linked to potential health effects and is now regulated or banned in many countries due to its impact on the ozone layer.

27. Among the following greenhouse gases, which does not cause ozone depletion in the troposphere. [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (b) Carbon monooxide
Solution:The greenhouse gases responsible for ozone depletion in the troposphere are- Water vapour, Carbon dioxide, Methane, Ozone, Nitrous oxide and Chlorofluorocarbon.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels. It's a major air pollutant and can cause serious health problems due to its high affinity for hemoglobin in the blood, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity.

CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to transport oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Exposure to CO can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, and in severe cases, death.

28. Formation of the ozone hole is maximum over- [M.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (c) Antarctica
Solution:The ozone hole is not technically a "hole" where no ozone is present but is a region of exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere over Antarctica. The ozone hole has developed because people have polluted the atmosphere with chemicals containing chlorine and bromine. The primary chemicals involved are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs for short), halons, and carbon tetrachloride.

The culprit behind ozone depletion was not aerosols in aerosol cans, but the propellants we use as gases to propel the solutions inside. These gaseous propellants contain chlorine, which is released high in the stratosphere and depletes the ozone.

29. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2012]

Chlorofluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting Substances, are used:

1. In the production of plastic foams.

2. In the production of tubeless tires.

3. In cleaning certain electronic components.

4. As pressurizing agents in aerosol cans.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4
Solution:Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and as refrigerants.

Trichlorofluoromethane can dissolve grease and used to clean electronic equipment. It is a highly stable compound and can sustain in the atmosphere for 80 to 100 years. Hence option (C) is the correct answer.

30. The formation of the ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. what could be the reason for the formation of this hole? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2011]

Correct Answer: (b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
Solution:Nitric Acid in the Polar stratospheric clouds reacts with chlorofluorocarbon. This reaction produces chlorine which is responsible for photo-chemical destruction of the ozone layer.

Since stratospheric clouds help chlorine compound to convert in chlorine particles depleting the ozone layer, their presence is also a factor responsible for the formation of the ozone hole.