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Net Equation? Chlorine atoms contribute to the destruction of the earth\'s ozone

ID: 818701 • Letter: N

Question

Net Equation?

Chlorine atoms contribute to the destruction of the earth's ozone layer by the following sequence of reactions: Cl + O3 rightarrow ClO + O2 ClO + O rightarrow Cl + O2 where the O atoms in the second step come from the decomposition of ozone by sunlight: O3(g) rightarrow O(g) + O2(g) What is the net equation on summing these three equations? Why does this lead to ozone loss in the stratosphere? What is the role played by Cl in this sequence of reaction? What name is given to species such as ClO?

Explanation / Answer

2O3 ---> 3O2

Since the ozone in the stratosphere is consumed due to its decompostion on radiation by UV, so this leads to ozone loss.

Cl acts as a catalyst.

Hypoclorides.