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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

Chlorofluorocarbons destroy ozone by releasing which reactive species?

Answer: chlorine atoms.

  • A hydrogen atoms
  • B chlorine atoms
  • C oxygen atoms
  • D nitrogen atoms

Correct answer: B. chlorine atoms

Explanation: UV light frees chlorine atoms from CFCs, and these radicals catalytically break down ozone.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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