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Difficulty: MediumGreenhouse Effect, Global Warming, and Ozone Layer Depletion

Carbon(IV) oxide (CO2CO_2) is the major chemical agent responsible for the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer because it reacts directly with ozone (O3O_3) molecules upon absorbing ultraviolet radiation.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Carbon(IV) oxide (CO2CO_2) is a primary greenhouse gas causing global warming in the troposphere by trapping outgoing thermal infrared radiation, whereas stratospheric ozone depletion is catalyzed by chlorine free radicals released from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) under UV radiation.
The statement incorrectly attributes stratospheric ozone depletion to carbon(IV) oxide. CO2CO_2 causes global warming by absorbing thermal infrared radiation in the lower atmosphere (troposphere), while ozone layer depletion occurs in the stratosphere via catalytic cycles involving halogen radicals (such as Cl∙Cl^\bullet from CFC photolysis).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the role of Carbon(IV) oxide (CO2CO_2) in atmospheric chemistry.
CO2CO_2 is a greenhouse gas present in the troposphere that absorbs re-radiated infrared (heat) energy from the Earth's surface.
Understanding the distinct mechanism of the greenhouse effect prevents confusing heat absorption with ozone layer breakdown.
2
Identify the chemical species responsible for stratospheric ozone layer depletion.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) undergo photolysis by solar UV light in the stratosphere to yield chlorine free radicals (Cl∙Cl^\bullet), which catalytically destroy O3O_3 molecules.
Pinpointing the specific catalyst for ozone destruction proves that CO2CO_2 is not the agent destroying stratospheric O3O_3.

Key Concept

Distinction between the Greenhouse Effect/Global Warming (CO2CO_2, CH4CH_4, IR absorption in troposphere) and Ozone Layer Depletion (CFCs, Cl∙Cl^\bullet radicals, UV radiation in stratosphere).
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Topics

Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming, and Ozone Layer Depletion

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