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Use chemical equations to show how ozone is depleted in the stratosphere - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 22 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 22
Use chemical equations to show how ozone is depleted in the stratosphere. Outline ONE method used to monitor stratospheric ozone.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Use chemical equations to show how ozone is depleted in the stratosphere - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 22 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
Use chemical equations to show how ozone is depleted in the stratosphere.
Answer
Ozone depletion primarily occurs through catalytic reactions involving chlorine and bromine compounds. The following chemical equations illustrate this process:
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The breakdown of ozone (O₃) by chlorine (Cl) produces molecular oxygen (O₂):
ightarrow ext{ClO} + ext{O}_2$$
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The chlorine monoxide (ClO) can further react with an oxygen atom to regenerate chlorine, which can continue to deplete more ozone:
ightarrow ext{Cl} + ext{O}_2$$
This cycle demonstrates how a single chlorine atom can deplete many ozone molecules, highlighting the significant impact of human-made chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) on ozone levels in the stratosphere.
Step 2
Outline ONE method used to monitor stratospheric ozone.
Answer
One common method to monitor stratospheric ozone levels is through satellite-based remote sensing. This technique uses instruments on satellites to measure the amount of ultraviolet (UV) light that ozone in the atmosphere absorbs. By analyzing the absorption patterns in the UV spectrum, scientists can estimate the concentration of ozone in different layers of the stratosphere, providing crucial data for understanding ozone depletion and its effects.