APES ozone depletion and CFCs cheat sheet
This cheat sheet covers key concepts related to ozone depletion and CFCs, including terms, dates, and significant impacts on the environment, suitable for AP Environmental Science exam preparation.
Quiz(32 questions)
1. Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
Terms in this Study Set(32)
Ozone Layer and Its Importance(16)
What is the ozone layer?
A region in Earth's stratosphere containing a high concentration of ozone (O₃) molecules. It absorbs 97-99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Why is the ozone layer important?
Protects living organisms from UV radiation, reducing skin cancer risk, preserving ecosystems, and maintaining food supply.
True or False: The ozone layer is located in the troposphere.
False. The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, above the troposphere.
Key function of the ozone layer?
Absorbs UV radiation, prevents DNA damage, protects human health, and supports biodiversity.
Fill in the blank: The primary chemical component of the ozone layer is __________.
Ozone (O₃).
Ozone vs. Oxygen: Compare their structures.
Ozone (O₃): three oxygen atoms in a bent structure; Oxygen (O₂): two oxygen atoms in a diatomic molecule.
When was the Montreal Protocol established?
1987, aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer.
What are the effects of ozone depletion?
Increased UV exposure leads to: - Higher skin cancer rates - Eye cataracts - Harmed marine ecosystems - Reduced plant growth.
Ozone layer thickness varies with __________.
Latitude and seasonal changes.
What is the primary source of ozone depletion?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) released from products like refrigerants and aerosol sprays.
True or False: Ozone is beneficial at ground level.
False. Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant and a major component of smog.
How does UV radiation impact human health?
Causes skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune response.
What role do UV rays play in ecosystems?
UV rays can harm phytoplankton, impacting the food chain and marine life.
What is the typical concentration of ozone in the stratosphere?
Approximately 10 to 40 parts per million (ppm).
Ozone formation occurs through which process?
Photodissociation of O₂ by UV light, leading to the reaction: O + O₂ → O₃.
True or False: The ozone layer is continuously replenished by natural processes.
True. Ozone is created and destroyed in a dynamic balance in the stratosphere.
CFCs and Their Impact(16)
CFCs → What do they stand for?
Chlorofluorocarbons. They are compounds made up of chlorine, fluorine, carbon, and hydrogen.
Main use of CFCs?
CFCs are primarily used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol propellants, and foam-blowing agents.
True or False: CFCs are naturally occurring.
False. CFCs are synthetic compounds and do not occur naturally in the environment.
CFCs → Ozone depletion mechanism?
CFCs release chlorine atoms when broken down by UV light, which catalyze ozone destruction.
Date of the Montreal Protocol?
The Montreal Protocol was signed on September 16, 1987, to phase out ozone-depleting substances.
Cause → Effect: CFCs and UV radiation.
CFCs lead to ozone layer depletion, increasing UV radiation reaching Earth's surface.
Compare CFCs and HCFCs.
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are more harmful to the ozone layer than HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons).
Common household item containing CFCs?
Older aerosol sprays, refrigerators, and some foam products may contain CFCs.
CFCs' impact on human health?
Increased UV exposure can lead to skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune response.
Fill in the blank: CFCs are potent _______ gases.
greenhouse. They are also potent ozone-depleting substances.
CFC concentration peak year?
CFC concentrations peaked in the mid-1990s before the Montreal Protocol's impact.
What is the lifetime of CFCs in the atmosphere?
CFCs can remain in the atmosphere for 50 to 100 years, contributing to long-term ozone depletion.
True or False: CFCs are biodegradable.
False. CFCs are stable and do not readily break down in the environment.
CFCs vs. Natural Refrigerants: Key difference?
Natural refrigerants do not harm the ozone layer, while CFCs significantly contribute to its depletion.
Calculate ozone depletion: 1 CFC molecule can destroy how many ozone molecules?
1 CFC molecule can destroy up to 100,000 ozone molecules due to catalytic reactions.
What is the primary regulatory action against CFCs?
The Montreal Protocol effectively phased out the production and consumption of CFCs globally.
Questions in this Study Set(32)
1. Which layer of the Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer?
2. What do the initials CFC stand for?
3. What is the primary function of the ozone layer?
4. Which of the following is a primary use of CFCs?
5. Which of the following is a major consequence of ozone depletion?
6. True or False: CFCs occur naturally in the environment.
7. True or False: Ozone at ground level is beneficial for human health.
8. What mechanism do CFCs use to deplete ozone?
9. Which chemical is primarily responsible for ozone layer depletion?
10. When was the Montreal Protocol signed?
11. What international agreement was established to address ozone depletion?
12. What is the effect of CFCs on UV radiation levels on Earth?
13. Fill in the blank: The ozone layer absorbs ____% of the sun's harmful UV radiation.
14. How do CFCs compare to HCFCs in terms of ozone layer impact?
15. What process leads to the formation of ozone in the stratosphere?
16. Which common household item may still contain CFCs?
17. Which of the following statements is true regarding ozone concentrations?
18. What is a potential health impact of increased UV radiation due to CFCs?
19. What is a potential ecological effect of increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion?
20. Fill in the blank: CFCs are potent _______ gases.
21. True or False: Ozone is created and destroyed in a dynamic balance in the atmosphere.
22. What year did CFC concentrations peak?
23. Which of the following is NOT a method of measuring ozone layer thickness?
24. What is the typical atmospheric lifetime of CFCs?
25. What is the typical concentration range of ozone in the stratosphere?
26. True or False: CFCs are biodegradable.
27. What role does the ozone layer play in protecting human health?
28. What is the key difference between CFCs and natural refrigerants?
29. Which of the following best describes the ozone layer?
30. How many ozone molecules can one CFC molecule potentially destroy?
31. What effect does ozone depletion have on skin health?
32. What is the primary regulatory action taken against CFCs?
Related Study Sets
Test: Treibhausgase
Mülltrennung
AP Environmental Science climate change key terms
APES population and demographics
Practice: APES land and water use
APES pollution types study guide
APES energy resources flashcards
Energiewende Überblick
Create Your Own Study Set
Upload a PDF, paste your notes, or describe a topic – AI generates flashcards, quizzes and more in seconds.
