What characteristic(s) of CFCs and HCFCs make them more likely to reach the stratosphere than most other compounds containing chlorine? (A) A) They are attracted to ultraviolet radiation. (B) B) They are lighter than other chlorine compounds, making it easier for them to reach the stratosphere when released. (C) C) They do not dissolve in water or easily break down in the atmosphere. (D) D) They are stored under pressure, causing them to jet upward when released.

The correct answer is **C) They do not dissolve in water or easily break down in the atmosphere**. **Explanation:** Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) possess several characteristics that enable them to reach the stratosphere more effectively than other chlorine-containing compounds: 1. **Stability in the Lower Atmosphere:** CFCs and HCFCs are highly stable and do not readily react or break down in the troposphere (the lower part of the atmosphere). This stability allows them to persist long enough to diffuse upward to the stratosphere. 2. **Low Solubility in Water:** These compounds do not dissolve easily in water, which means they are not removed from the atmosphere by processes like rainout or washout. This persistence further increases their likelihood of reaching higher atmospheric layers. 3. **Long Atmospheric Lifetimes:** Due to their chemical inertness, CFCs and HCFCs have long atmospheric lifetimes. This extended presence in the atmosphere allows ample time for them to be transported to the stratosphere. Once in the stratosphere, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can break down these compounds, releasing chlorine atoms that contribute to ozone layer depletion. The other options listed do not directly contribute to the ability of CFCs and HCFCs to reach the stratosphere: - **A) Attraction to ultraviolet radiation:** CFCs and HCFCs absorb UV radiation in the stratosphere, but this property doesn't influence their transport to that region. - **B) Being lighter than other chlorine compounds:** While molecular weight plays a role in atmospheric transport, CFCs are not necessarily lighter than all other chlorine-containing compounds. - **D) Stored under pressure causing upward jets:** This pertains more to the physical behavior upon release rather than the intrinsic atmospheric properties that allow them to reach the stratosphere. **Answer:** C) They do not dissolve in water or easily break down in the atmosphere.