Question 29
When chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were invented in 1928, these gases were thought to be very useful because they are not reactive, non-toxic and non-flammable. In the 1980s, scientists began to present evidence from space of a hole in the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a thin part of the Earth’s atmosphere. It protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
Scientists eventually discovered that when CFCs get to the ozone layer, the Sun’s UV radiation breaks down the bonds between carbon and chlorine in CFCs, releasing chlorine atoms. The chlorine atoms react with ozone molecules ($O_3$). This process reduces the amount of ozone in the ozone layer.
One of the most common CFC compounds used in the past is dichlorodifluoromethane. A molecule of dichlorodifluoromethane has one carbon atom, two chlorine atoms and two fluorine atoms.
What is the type of bond found in molecules of dichlorodifluoromethane?
Scientists eventually discovered that when CFCs get to the ozone layer, the Sun’s UV radiation breaks down the bonds between carbon and chlorine in CFCs, releasing chlorine atoms. The chlorine atoms react with ozone molecules ($O_3$). This process reduces the amount of ozone in the ozone layer.
One of the most common CFC compounds used in the past is dichlorodifluoromethane. A molecule of dichlorodifluoromethane has one carbon atom, two chlorine atoms and two fluorine atoms.
What is the type of bond found in molecules of dichlorodifluoromethane?
