AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Reducing Ozone Depletion

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Reducing Ozone Depletion, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Which gas, used in refrigeration, has replaced CFCs but still poses an environmental risk?

Answer: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs don't deplete ozone but have high global warming potential.

Flashcard 2: Which alternative technologies help reduce reliance on ozone-depleting substances?

Answer: Ammonia-based refrigeration. Natural refrigerants like ammonia don't contain ozone-depleting halogens.

Flashcard 3: Which technology reduces the need for ozone-depleting substances in insulation?

Answer: Cellulose insulation. Natural insulation materials eliminate need for foam-blowing chemicals.

Flashcard 4: What is the main objective of the Vienna Convention?

Answer: Protecting the ozone layer. Signed in 1985, this convention established framework for ozone protection.

Flashcard 5: List a key provision of the Montreal Protocol.

Answer: Phasing out CFC production. The protocol mandates complete phase-out of CFC production by developed nations.

Flashcard 6: Name a method for monitoring ozone layer recovery.

Answer: Satellite observations. Satellites measure total ozone column thickness to track layer recovery.

Flashcard 7: Which UV type does the ozone layer primarily absorb?

Answer: UV-B. Ozone molecules absorb UV-B wavelengths (280-315 nm) most effectively.

Flashcard 8: What is the main anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion?

Answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.

Flashcard 9: Which sector is a significant source of halons?

Answer: Firefighting. Fire suppression systems historically used halons before safer alternatives.

Flashcard 10: Which amendment addresses HFCs under the Montreal Protocol?

Answer: The Kigali Amendment. This 2016 amendment targets HFCs to prevent climate change acceleration.

Flashcard 11: What is the typical lifespan of CFCs in the atmosphere?

Answer: 50 to 100 years. CFCs persist for decades, continuing to destroy ozone long after release.

Flashcard 12: Identify a substance that contributes to ozone layer depletion.

Answer: Halons. Halons contain bromine which is highly effective at destroying ozone.

Flashcard 13: Which international agreement aims to reduce ozone-depleting substances?

Answer: The Montreal Protocol. Signed in 1987, this protocol phases out ozone-depleting substances globally.

Flashcard 14: Which compound is used as a foam-blowing agent and depletes ozone?

Answer: Methyl bromide. Used in fumigation and foam production, methyl bromide releases bromine atoms.

Flashcard 15: Which UV radiation type is most harmful to living organisms?

Answer: UV-B. UV-B causes skin cancer, cataracts, and immune system suppression in humans.

Flashcard 16: Which chemical reaction involves ozone depletion?

Answer: CFCs releasing chlorine atoms. Chlorine atoms from CFCs catalytically destroy thousands of ozone molecules.

Flashcard 17: Identify a health effect of increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion.

Answer: Increased skin cancer risk. More UV-B radiation penetrates when ozone layer is depleted, causing DNA damage.

Flashcard 18: Which strategy can individuals take to reduce ozone depletion?

Answer: Using energy-efficient appliances. Efficient appliances reduce demand for refrigerants containing ozone-depleting chemicals.

Flashcard 19: Which international body oversees the implementation of the Montreal Protocol?

Answer: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP coordinates global efforts and monitors compliance with ozone treaties.

Flashcard 20: What environmental effect does ozone depletion have on marine ecosystems?

Answer: Reduced phytoplankton growth. Increased UV-B damages marine phytoplankton, disrupting ocean food webs.

Flashcard 21: Which sector is a significant source of halons?

Answer: Firefighting. Fire suppression systems historically used halons before safer alternatives.

Flashcard 22: What is the main anthropogenic cause of ozone depletion?

Answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs release chlorine atoms that destroy ozone molecules in the stratosphere.

Flashcard 23: What is the relationship between ozone depletion and global warming?

Answer: HFCs contribute to global warming. HFC replacements for CFCs are potent greenhouse gases warming the climate.

Flashcard 24: Which element in CFCs primarily causes ozone destruction?

Answer: Chlorine. Chlorine atoms act as catalysts, destroying many ozone molecules per atom.

Flashcard 25: What is one outcome of the Montreal Protocol's success?

Answer: Decrease in atmospheric chlorine. Reduced chlorine levels indicate the protocol's effectiveness in ozone protection.

Flashcard 26: What measures the effectiveness of ozone-depleting substances?

Answer: Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP). ODP compares substances to CFC-11's ozone destruction capability (ODP = 1.0).

Flashcard 27: Which chemical reaction is involved in the natural formation of ozone?

Answer: Oxygen molecules and UV light. UV light splits $O_2$ molecules; oxygen atoms combine with $O_2$ forming $O_3$.

Flashcard 28: What is the primary role of the ozone layer in Earth's atmosphere?

Answer: Absorbing UV radiation. Ozone filters harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation from reaching Earth's surface.

Flashcard 29: Identify a technological innovation that reduces ozone depletion.

Answer: Non-halogenated solvents. These solvents lack halogen atoms that cause ozone destruction.

Flashcard 30: Which factor enhances the breakdown of ozone-depleting substances in the atmosphere?

Answer: Polar stratospheric clouds. These clouds provide surfaces where chlorine compounds become ozone-destroying.