Reducing Ozone Depletion - AP Environmental Science
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Which gas, used in refrigeration, has replaced CFCs but still poses an environmental risk?
Which gas, used in refrigeration, has replaced CFCs but still poses an environmental risk?
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Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs don't deplete ozone but have high global warming potential.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs don't deplete ozone but have high global warming potential.
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Which alternative technologies help reduce reliance on ozone-depleting substances?
Which alternative technologies help reduce reliance on ozone-depleting substances?
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Ammonia-based refrigeration. Natural refrigerants like ammonia don't contain ozone-depleting halogens.
Ammonia-based refrigeration. Natural refrigerants like ammonia don't contain ozone-depleting halogens.
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Which technology reduces the need for ozone-depleting substances in insulation?
Which technology reduces the need for ozone-depleting substances in insulation?
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Cellulose insulation. Natural insulation materials eliminate need for foam-blowing chemicals.
Cellulose insulation. Natural insulation materials eliminate need for foam-blowing chemicals.
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What is the main objective of the Vienna Convention?
What is the main objective of the Vienna Convention?
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Protecting the ozone layer. Signed in 1985, this convention established framework for ozone protection.
Protecting the ozone layer. Signed in 1985, this convention established framework for ozone protection.
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List a key provision of the Montreal Protocol.
List a key provision of the Montreal Protocol.
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Phasing out CFC production. The protocol mandates complete phase-out of CFC production by developed nations.
Phasing out CFC production. The protocol mandates complete phase-out of CFC production by developed nations.
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Name a method for monitoring ozone layer recovery.
Name a method for monitoring ozone layer recovery.
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Satellite observations. Satellites measure total ozone column thickness to track layer recovery.
Satellite observations. Satellites measure total ozone column thickness to track layer recovery.
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Which UV type does the ozone layer primarily absorb?
Which UV type does the ozone layer primarily absorb?
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UV-B. Ozone molecules absorb UV-B wavelengths (280-315 nm) most effectively.
UV-B. Ozone molecules absorb UV-B wavelengths (280-315 nm) most effectively.
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What is the main anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion?
What is the main anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion?
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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
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Which sector is a significant source of halons?
Which sector is a significant source of halons?
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Firefighting. Fire suppression systems historically used halons before safer alternatives.
Firefighting. Fire suppression systems historically used halons before safer alternatives.
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Which amendment addresses HFCs under the Montreal Protocol?
Which amendment addresses HFCs under the Montreal Protocol?
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The Kigali Amendment. This 2016 amendment targets HFCs to prevent climate change acceleration.
The Kigali Amendment. This 2016 amendment targets HFCs to prevent climate change acceleration.
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What is the typical lifespan of CFCs in the atmosphere?
What is the typical lifespan of CFCs in the atmosphere?
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50 to 100 years. CFCs persist for decades, continuing to destroy ozone long after release.
50 to 100 years. CFCs persist for decades, continuing to destroy ozone long after release.
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Identify a substance that contributes to ozone layer depletion.
Identify a substance that contributes to ozone layer depletion.
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Halons. Halons contain bromine which is highly effective at destroying ozone.
Halons. Halons contain bromine which is highly effective at destroying ozone.
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Which international agreement aims to reduce ozone-depleting substances?
Which international agreement aims to reduce ozone-depleting substances?
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The Montreal Protocol. Signed in 1987, this protocol phases out ozone-depleting substances globally.
The Montreal Protocol. Signed in 1987, this protocol phases out ozone-depleting substances globally.
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Which compound is used as a foam-blowing agent and depletes ozone?
Which compound is used as a foam-blowing agent and depletes ozone?
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Methyl bromide. Used in fumigation and foam production, methyl bromide releases bromine atoms.
Methyl bromide. Used in fumigation and foam production, methyl bromide releases bromine atoms.
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Which UV radiation type is most harmful to living organisms?
Which UV radiation type is most harmful to living organisms?
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UV-B. UV-B causes skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression in humans.
UV-B. UV-B causes skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression in humans.
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Which chemical reaction involves ozone depletion?
Which chemical reaction involves ozone depletion?
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CFCs releasing chlorine atoms. Chlorine atoms from CFCs catalytically destroy thousands of ozone molecules.
CFCs releasing chlorine atoms. Chlorine atoms from CFCs catalytically destroy thousands of ozone molecules.
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Identify a health effect of increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion.
Identify a health effect of increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion.
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Increased skin cancer risk. More UV-B radiation penetrates when ozone layer is depleted, causing DNA damage.
Increased skin cancer risk. More UV-B radiation penetrates when ozone layer is depleted, causing DNA damage.
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Which strategy can individuals take to reduce ozone depletion?
Which strategy can individuals take to reduce ozone depletion?
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Using energy-efficient appliances. Efficient appliances reduce demand for refrigerants containing ozone-depleting chemicals.
Using energy-efficient appliances. Efficient appliances reduce demand for refrigerants containing ozone-depleting chemicals.
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Which international body oversees the implementation of the Montreal Protocol?
Which international body oversees the implementation of the Montreal Protocol?
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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP coordinates global efforts and monitors compliance with ozone treaties.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP coordinates global efforts and monitors compliance with ozone treaties.
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What environmental effect does ozone depletion have on marine ecosystems?
What environmental effect does ozone depletion have on marine ecosystems?
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Reduced phytoplankton growth. Increased UV-B damages marine phytoplankton, disrupting ocean food webs.
Reduced phytoplankton growth. Increased UV-B damages marine phytoplankton, disrupting ocean food webs.
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Which sector is a significant source of halons?
Which sector is a significant source of halons?
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Firefighting. Fire suppression systems historically used halons before safer alternatives.
Firefighting. Fire suppression systems historically used halons before safer alternatives.
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What is the main anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion?
What is the main anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion?
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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
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What is the relationship between ozone depletion and global warming?
What is the relationship between ozone depletion and global warming?
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HFCs contribute to global warming. HFC replacements for CFCs are potent greenhouse gases warming the climate.
HFCs contribute to global warming. HFC replacements for CFCs are potent greenhouse gases warming the climate.
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Which element in CFCs primarily causes ozone destruction?
Which element in CFCs primarily causes ozone destruction?
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Chlorine. Chlorine atoms act as catalysts, destroying many ozone molecules per atom.
Chlorine. Chlorine atoms act as catalysts, destroying many ozone molecules per atom.
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What is one outcome of the Montreal Protocol's success?
What is one outcome of the Montreal Protocol's success?
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Decrease in atmospheric chlorine. Reduced chlorine levels indicate the protocol's effectiveness in ozone protection.
Decrease in atmospheric chlorine. Reduced chlorine levels indicate the protocol's effectiveness in ozone protection.
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What measures the effectiveness of ozone-depleting substances?
What measures the effectiveness of ozone-depleting substances?
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Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP). ODP compares substances to CFC-11's ozone destruction capability (ODP = 1.0).
Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP). ODP compares substances to CFC-11's ozone destruction capability (ODP = 1.0).
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Which chemical reaction is involved in the natural formation of ozone?
Which chemical reaction is involved in the natural formation of ozone?
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Oxygen molecules and UV light. UV light splits $O_2$ molecules; oxygen atoms combine with $O_2$ forming $O_3$.
Oxygen molecules and UV light. UV light splits $O_2$ molecules; oxygen atoms combine with $O_2$ forming $O_3$.
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What is the primary role of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?
What is the primary role of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?
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Absorbing UV radiation. Ozone filters harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation from reaching Earth's surface.
Absorbing UV radiation. Ozone filters harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation from reaching Earth's surface.
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Identify a technological innovation that reduces ozone depletion.
Identify a technological innovation that reduces ozone depletion.
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Non-halogenated solvents. These solvents lack halogen atoms that cause ozone destruction.
Non-halogenated solvents. These solvents lack halogen atoms that cause ozone destruction.
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Which factor enhances the breakdown of ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere?
Which factor enhances the breakdown of ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere?
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Polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds provide surfaces where chlorine compounds become ozone-destroying.
Polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds provide surfaces where chlorine compounds become ozone-destroying.
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