Write The Essential Function Performed by Ozone at The Higher Levels of the Earth’s Atmosphere? How Is It Produced? Name The Synthetic Chemicals Mainly Responsible for The Drop of the Amount of Ozone in The Atmosphere. How Can the Use of These Chemicals Be Reduced?

Introduction

Ozone is a naturally occurring gas found in the Earth's atmosphere, and it plays an essential role in protecting life on our planet. Ozone is located in two layers of the atmosphere: the stratosphere and the troposphere.

The stratospheric ozone layer is the layer of ozone that is responsible for protecting life on our planet from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

In this article, we will discuss the essential functions performed by ozone at the higher levels of the Earth's atmosphere, how it is produced, the synthetic chemicals mainly responsible for the drop of the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, and how the use of these chemicals can be reduced.

The Essential Function Performed by Ozone at the Higher Levels of the Earth's Atmosphere:

The stratospheric ozone layer, also known as the "ozone shield," is responsible for protecting life on our planet from the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun.

Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs most of the sun's harmful UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems in humans and animals. Without the ozone layer, life on our planet would not be able to exist.

Ozone in the stratosphere is also responsible for regulating the Earth's temperature. The ozone layer absorbs some of the sun's heat, which helps to keep the Earth's temperature stable. This process is known as the ozone-oxygen cycle, and it helps to regulate the Earth's temperature and prevent drastic climate changes.

How is Ozone Produced?

Ozone is produced in the Earth's atmosphere when UV radiation from the sun interacts with oxygen molecules (O₂). The interaction of UV radiation with oxygen molecules causes the oxygen molecules to break apart into individual oxygen atoms. These oxygen atoms then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone (O₃).

The process of ozone production in the stratosphere is known as the Chapman cycle, named after Sydney Chapman, who first described the process in 1930. The Chapman cycle involves the following reactions −

$$\mathrm{O2 + UV\:radiation\:\rightarrow\:2O}$$

$$\mathrm{O + O_2\:\rightarrow\:O_3}$$

The first reaction breaks apart the oxygen molecule into two individual oxygen atoms, and the second reaction involves the combination of an oxygen atom with an oxygen molecule to form ozone.

Synthetic Chemicals Responsible for the Drop of the Amount of Ozone in the Atmosphere

Although ozone is a naturally occurring gas in the Earth's atmosphere, the amount of ozone in the stratosphere has been decreasing since the 1970s. The main reason for the decrease in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere is the release of synthetic chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the atmosphere.

CFCs are synthetic chemicals that were commonly used in refrigerants, air conditioning units, aerosol sprays, and other products. CFCs are stable and do not react with other chemicals, which makes them ideal for use in these products. However, when CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they can travel up into the stratosphere, where they are broken down by UV radiation from the sun.

When CFCs are broken down by UV radiation in the stratosphere, they release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone, breaking it down into individual oxygen molecules. The process of ozone destruction by chlorine atoms is known as the ozone depletion process, and it is the main reason for the decrease in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere.

Reducing the Use of Synthetic Chemicals Responsible for the Drop of the Amount of Ozone in the Atmosphere

To reduce the use of synthetic chemicals responsible for the drop in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere, several steps have been taken at the global level.

The most significant international effort to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals responsible for the drop in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere was the Montreal Protocol. The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement signed in 1987 that aims to reduce the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), including CFCs.

Under the Montreal Protocol, countries agreed to phase out the production and consumption of ODSs over time. The Protocol has been successful in reducing the production and consumption of ODSs, and as a result, the amount of ozone in the stratosphere has begun to recover.

The success of the Montreal Protocol has led to further international agreements aimed at reducing the use of synthetic chemicals that contribute to climate change. These agreements include the Paris Agreement and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

Conclusion

Ozone is a crucial gas in the Earth's atmosphere that plays a vital role in protecting life on our planet. Ozone in the stratosphere absorbs harmful UV radiation from the sun, which can cause skin cancer and other health problems in humans and animals. Ozone also helps regulate the Earth's temperature, preventing drastic climate changes.

The main reason for the decrease in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere is the release of synthetic chemicals such as CFCs into the atmosphere. These chemicals are broken down by UV radiation in the stratosphere, releasing chlorine atoms that react with ozone, breaking it down into individual oxygen molecules.

It is essential to continue efforts to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy a healthy and sustainable planet.