How many ozone molecules can each chlorine atom in the stratosphere destroy? (A) A) 1,000 molecules (B) B) 100,000 molecules (C) C) $$ 100,000,000 $$ molecules (D) D) None. Chlorine is not the element in refrigerant that harms ozone.

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UpStudy AI · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is **(B) 100,000 molecules**.

**Explanation:**

Chlorine atoms in the stratosphere play a significant role in the depletion of ozone (O₃) molecules. Despite only being a single atom, chlorine acts as a catalyst in a series of reactions that destroy ozone. Here's a simplified version of the process:

1. **Destruction Cycle:**
   - **Step 1:** A chlorine atom reacts with an ozone molecule:
     $$
     \text{Cl} + \text{O}_3 \rightarrow \text{ClO} + \text{O}_2
     $$
   - **Step 2:** The chlorine monoxide (ClO) then reacts with a free oxygen atom:
     $$
     \text{ClO} + \text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl} + \text{O}_2
     $$
   - **Net Reaction:** 
     $$
     \text{O}_3 + \text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{O}_2
     $$
   - The chlorine atom is regenerated and can participate in additional cycles of ozone destruction.

2. **Catalytic Efficiency:**
   - Due to this catalytic cycle, a single chlorine atom can destroy up to approximately **100,000 ozone molecules** before it is removed from the stratosphere by other processes.

3. **Impact:**
   - This high efficiency explains the significant impact that even small amounts of chlorine-containing compounds (like CFCs) can have on stratospheric ozone levels, leading to phenomena such as the "ozone hole."

**Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:**

- **Option A (1,000 molecules):** Underestimates the catalytic capacity of chlorine atoms.
- **Option C (100,000,000 molecules):** Overestimates the number; current scientific consensus supports the figure around 100,000.
- **Option D:** Incorrect because chlorine is indeed a harmful element concerning ozone depletion.

**References:**
- Molina, M. J., & Rowland, F. S. (1974). “Stratospheric Sink for Chlorofluoromethanes: Chlorine Atom-Catalyzed Destruction of Ozone.” *Nature*, 249(5460), 810–812.
- Solomon, S., et al. (2009). “An explanation for the depletion of Antarctic ozone.” *Journal of Atmospheric Sciences*, 66(10), 3779–3790.

**Answer:**  
**(B) 100,000 molecules**
Each chlorine atom in the stratosphere can destroy up to **100,000 ozone molecules**.

How many ozone molecules can each chlorine atom in the stratosphere destroy? (A) A) 1,000 molecules (B) B) 100,000 molecules (C) C) \( 100,000,000 \) molecules (D) D) None. Chlorine is not the element in refrigerant that harms ozone.

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