Question detail
Which of the following best explains why chlorine radicals are effective catalysts 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 are stable and do not react with other substances.
- B. They can regenerate after reacting with ozone.
- C. They absorb UV light, preventing ozone formation.
- D. They are produced in large quantities from CFCs.
Answer
They can regenerate after reacting with ozone.
Explanation
Chlorine radicals are effective catalysts because they are not consumed in the reaction; they can react with ozone to form products and then regenerate, allowing them to continue catalyzing the decomposition of ozone.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Chlorine Radical Formation
Students often confuse the formation of chlorine radicals from CFCs with other reactions, failing to correctly represent the reaction mechanism.
To clarify, state the equation for the breakdown of CFCs: CCl3F → CCl2F• + Cl•. This shows the formation of chlorine radicals. The substitution of CFCs leads to the release of chlorine radicals, which catalyze ozone decomposition. Ensure to explain the role of UV light in initiating this reaction.
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