14.1 Formation and destruction of Ozone HL (extra details)

Question 1

Rate of Formation and destruction of Ozone

Answer 1

1) Rate of Formation and destruction of Ozone is equal (steady state)
2) Human pollutants like NOx and CFC’s disrupt this process and creates holes in the ozone layer

Question 2

Catalytic destruction of Ozone by NO and CFC’S

Answer 2

1) NO is produced in internal combustion engines by the direct combustion of Nitrogen and oxygen at high temperatures. It has an unpaired electron therefore its a free radical. Hence, its very reactive.
NO(free radical)+ O3= NO2 +O2
NO2 + O (free radical)= NO(free radical) + O2
2) CFC;s were used in aerosols, solvents, plastics, refrigerants . Cl atoms in CFC’s acted as catalyst to convert ozone to molecular oxygen.