Lesson 3.2 - Refrigerator Investigation

In the previous lesson, you saw how the ozone layer is being affected by CFCs.  How is this effect achieved?  The chlorine atoms in the CFCs react with O3 to produce O2.  Because this diatomic oxygen does not protect us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation, more gets through to us and causes damage in various ways.  Replacements to CFCs include HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and PFCs (perfluorocarbons).

The ozone layer is high in the atmosphere at about 15 to 35 kilometres above the surface of the earth.  Satellite images have provided us with the evidence to show how large the ozone hole is becoming. 

Read page 300 in the textbook.  

Then, complete the following questions.

 

Question 1. Answer the Analyze questions 1 - 5 on page 300 of your textbook.

Question 2. What three steps occur from the reaction of CFCs and more skin cancer in humans?

 

Check your answers with those that follow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Answers to Questions:

Question 1. Answer the Analyze questions 1 - 5 on page 300 of your textbook.

  1.     The layer became thinner and formed a hole.
  2.     The production of CFCs has been linked to ozone thinning.
  3.     There may be more skin cancer and eye problems; as well, plant growth is affected.
  4.     Many things can be said here.  For example, refrigeration has resulted in other problems such as increased cancer.
  5.     Chemicals that can replace CFCs include HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), and PFCs (perfluorocarbons).

Question 2. What three steps occur from the reaction of CFCs and more skin cancer in humans?

  1. The chlorine atoms in the CFCs react with O3 to produce O2. 
  2. This diatomic oxygen does not protect us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation. 
  3. More UV radiation gets through to us and causes cancer and other damage.

 


Now, do Assignment 15C.  Page forward to access it.