What would an increase in CFCs do to the atmosphere?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global climate.

What causes CFCs to be released into the atmosphere?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are anthropogenic compounds that have been released into the atmosphere since the 1930s in various applications such as in air-conditioning, refrigeration, blowing agents in foams, insulations and packing materials, propellants in aerosol cans, and as solvents.

Why are CFCs more likely to reach the stratosphere?

CFCs and HCFCs are the most harmful because they contain chlorine. These refrigerants are also relatively stable, meaning they don’t get destroyed easily by rain or sunlight. This makes it more likely that they will reach the stratosphere, where the ozone layer is.

How do CFCs act in the atmosphere?

Gaseous CFCs can deplete the ozone layer when they slowly rise into the stratosphere, are broken down by strong ultraviolet radiation, release chlorine atoms, and then react with ozone molecules. See Ozone Depleting Substance.)

How are CFCs added in the atmosphere Class 8?

How are CFCs added in the atmosphere? Answer: CFCs are released from aersol sprays, refrigerators and air conditioners.

What are the sources of CFCs?

The most common source of CFCs are refrigerants, but fire suppression systems for aircraft and aerosols also emit CFCs into the atmosphere.

  • Refrigerators and Air Conditioners. The most common emitter of CFCs are refrigerants, particularly those used after the 1930s.
  • Aircraft Halon.
  • Aerosol Sprays.
  • Rogue CFCs.

Where does CFCs come from naturally?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) described as “miracle chemicals” have no natural sources. They were first manufactured in the 1930s, and industries soon found a wide variety of applications for them due to their chemical non-reactivity and heat-absorbing properties.

Why does CFC 11 only decompose in the stratosphere and not in the troposphere?

CFCs do not react easily with other chemicals in the lower atmosphere (troposphere). But UV light can break up a CFC, making it highly reactive. In the lower atmosphere, CFCs are protected from UV light from the ozone layer in the stratosphere.

What are the most abundant CFCs in the atmosphere?

The most abundant CFCs emitted into the troposphere are CFC 11 and CFC 12. These CFCs are not soluble in water, so deposition does not removed them from the air.

Why do CFCs deplete the ozone layer?

Once in the atmosphere, CFCs drift slowly upward to the stratosphere, where they are broken up by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms, which are able to destroy ozone molecules.

What are sources of CFCs?

Sources of CFC

  • a) Refrigerators and air conditioners – Refrigerants are the most common emitter of CFC.
  • b) Aircraft halon – Aviation industries in some countries are still using fire suppression system with halon.
  • c) Aerosol sprays – Aerosol cans and propellant liquid use gases containing CFCs.