Question detail
What role do chlorine radicals play in ozone depletion?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Halogenoalkanes
Question
- A. They catalyze the breakdown of ozone
- B. They enhance ozone formation
- C. They absorb UV radiation
- D. They are harmless to the atmosphere
Answer
They catalyze the breakdown of ozone
Explanation
The correct option is They catalyze the breakdown of ozone. They catalyze the breakdown of ozone is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to explain why scientific evidence led to restrictions on CFCs. This reasoning is anchored to Ozone depletion in Halogenoalkanes, and it separates CFC from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding CFC Restrictions
Students often state that CFCs were banned solely because they deplete ozone without explaining the scientific evidence behind this decision.
To fix this, students should explain that the cause of the restrictions was the scientific evidence showing that CFCs release chlorine radicals in the atmosphere. This mechanism leads to the breakdown of ozone molecules, resulting in increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which can cause harmful effects such as skin cancer and environmental damage.
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