Ozone Depletion Essay

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Science OBAT- Global Issues (Lucy Kerslake) In Science, we have discussed many global issues present in modern society. One of the most interesting is the issue of ozone depletion, which has been a constant threat to our wellbeing and future for many years now. Many strategies and plans have been put into action to stop ozone depletion and we will discuss them, as well as the impact of ozone depletion and what the issue really is. The ozone layer is a natural filter against UV radiation from the sun. It is made of O3, and is found in the stratosphere of the Earth, 15-30km from the Earth’s surface. The ozone layer is formed when UV light hits an oxygen molecule, breaking it into single atoms. The atoms then join with another oxygen molecule, creating the ozone gas. The ozone gas is good at “absorbing” the UV radiation because the ozone processes create exothermic reactions, and basically convert UV radiation into heat. This cycle is known as the ozone-oxygen cycle. The scientific equation for this process is: O2 + UV light (2O O+ O2 ( O3 Ozone depletion is caused by chlorine, which breaks down ozone. The release of chlorine into the atmosphere is mainly caused by human activity, and is found in many chemicals released into the atmosphere. These include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl bromide. These chemicals are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishes, aerosols, foam and fumigants. CFCs are the most common ozone depleting chemicals. They are composed of carbon, chlorine and fluorine, and have been widely used in aerosols. When Ultraviolet light hits them, the chlorine atom breaks off and attacks an ozone molecule, separating it into an oxygen atom and an oxygen molecule. The chlorine atom attaches itself to the single atom until another oxygen atom
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