Ozone In The Stratosphere

Question 1

Show that oxygen is a biradical

Answer 1

(Draw out electron configuration)
This shows 2 unpaired electrons

Question 2

What are the 2 equations for formation of ozone?

Answer 2

O2 + hv -> 2O
O + O2 -> O3

Question 3

What are the 2 O3 breakdown equations?

Answer 3

O3 + hv -> O2 + O
(This is the sun screening effect of the O3 layer - prevents high energy uv radiation from reaching the earth’s surface)
O3 + O -> 2O2
(Catalysed by Cl (& other) radicals)

Question 4

How does O3 stay at a steady state?

Answer 4

O3 is broken down and formed all the time, the rates are equal so the conc of O3 stays constant

Question 5

Why does human production of CFCs affect the steady state of O3?

Answer 5

Human production of CFCs increases the rate of O3 breakdown, therefore the steady state decreases