Ozone
Ozone is an important molecule in maintaining the homeostasis in the
environment. Ozone, the molecule O3, makes a layer in the stratosphere,
situated 10 to 15 kilometers from the earth's surface. The dioxide
molecule, O2 and Oxygen atom O, collide with each other result in the
formation of Ozone, O3. In this reaction, the molecule O3 contains an excess
of energy. Once the molecule is formed, it is not stable enough to last
long. The energy-rich O3 molecules discards the excess energy by colliding
with another atom or molecule and transferring the energy in the form of
heat. In the results of the decomposition of ozone into O2 and O in the
ozone layer, solar radiation is absorbed. This process of the chemical bond
breaking causing the absorption of a photon by a molecule is called
photodissociation. Radiation with sufficient intensity, is capable of
separating the O3 molecule, resulting in photodissociation. The cyclic
process formation and decomposition of ozone provides a shield against
ultraviolet radiation that enter the earth's atmosphere. If it were not for
the chemical reaction of radiation and ozone in the stratosphere, these
high-energy photons would penetrate the earth's surface. The ozone layer
absorbers about 99% of the harmful radiation which makes it possible for
animals and plants to live on the planet.
In 1974, F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina of the University of
California proposed that chlorine from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could
deplete the ozone layer. Beginning in 1957 to 1985, the British Antarctic
Survey had measured the average ozone concentration over Halley Bay in
Antarctica. Up until 1974, the ozone concentration remained stable. Yet
after 1974, the team observed a decline of the ozone layer to levels less
than 10%. From this study the awareness over the danger of the "hole" and
ultraviolet radiation and the destruction being done to the earth.
Scientists believe the expanding ozone hole, which is centered over
Antarctica was caused by Chloroflurocarbons. CFCs are released into the
environment through such sources as spray cans , air conditioners,
factories, refrigerants and cleaning products. CFCs are dangerous to the
atmosphere because after they are released into the environment, the
sunlight breaks down the compound. The chlorine molecules react with the
ozone molecules by permanently breaking down the molecule, thus diminishing
the ozone layer. This rise poses a major threat environment. In 1985, in
Vienna and in 1987 in Montreal, a Protocol was signed proposing the gradual
termination of use of CFCs over the decades. A dramatic reduction in the
use of CFCs was agreed on. Regulations to limit the production of
Ozone is an important molecule in maintaining the homeostasis in the
environment. Ozone, the molecule O3, makes a layer in the stratosphere,
situated 10 to 15 kilometers from the earth's surface. The dioxide
molecule, O2 and Oxygen atom O, collide with each other result in the
formation of Ozone, O3. In this reaction, the molecule O3 contains an excess
of energy. Once the molecule is formed, it is not stable enough to last
long. The energy-rich O3 molecules discards the excess energy by colliding
with another atom or molecule and transferring the energy in the form of
heat. In the results of the decomposition of ozone into O2 and O in the
ozone layer, solar radiation is absorbed. This process of the chemical bond
breaking causing the absorption of a photon by a molecule is called
photodissociation. Radiation with sufficient intensity, is capable of
separating the O3 molecule, resulting in photodissociation. The cyclic
process formation and decomposition of ozone provides a shield against
ultraviolet radiation that enter the earth's atmosphere. If it were not for
the chemical reaction of radiation and ozone in the stratosphere, these
high-energy photons would penetrate the earth's surface. The ozone layer
absorbers about 99% of the harmful radiation which makes it possible for
animals and plants to live on the planet.
In 1974, F. Sherwood Rowland and Mario Molina of the University of
California proposed that chlorine from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) could
deplete the ozone layer. Beginning in 1957 to 1985, the British Antarctic
Survey had measured the average ozone concentration over Halley Bay in
Antarctica. Up until 1974, the ozone concentration remained stable. Yet
after 1974, the team observed a decline of the ozone layer to levels less
than 10%. From this study the awareness over the danger of the "hole" and
ultraviolet radiation and the destruction being done to the earth.
Scientists believe the expanding ozone hole, which is centered over
Antarctica was caused by Chloroflurocarbons. CFCs are released into the
environment through such sources as spray cans , air conditioners,
factories, refrigerants and cleaning products. CFCs are dangerous to the
atmosphere because after they are released into the environment, the
sunlight breaks down the compound. The chlorine molecules react with the
ozone molecules by permanently breaking down the molecule, thus diminishing
the ozone layer. This rise poses a major threat environment. In 1985, in
Vienna and in 1987 in Montreal, a Protocol was signed proposing the gradual
termination of use of CFCs over the decades. A dramatic reduction in the
use of CFCs was agreed on. Regulations to limit the production of