Question

Freon gas causing stratosphere Ozone depletion is mainly released from
(a) Refrigerators
(b) Automobiles
(c) Thermal power plants
(d) Steel industry

Answer 1

Hint: Freon gas is a family of compounds of which CFCs are a prime example. They are a group of substituted hydrocarbons with fluorine and chlorine atoms. They are one of the greenhouse gases causing stratosphere ozone depletion.

Complete answer:
Freons are colorless, odorless fluorinated chemicals used as cooling agents in refrigerators. These gases move through carefully regulated symptoms of coils and compressors converting hot air to cold air. But leakage of this coolant is harmful to humans as well as responsible for ozone depletion. Upon leakage, it rises up in the atmosphere and reaches the stratosphere. It breaks down in the presence of ultraviolet rays and reacts with ozone molecules only to release nascent oxygen atoms from it.

Additional Information: -Chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs is one of the most extensively used freons and one of the main contributors to greenhouse gases.
-Greenhouse gases are responsible for causing the greenhouse effect which is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is responsible for heating the earth’s surface and atmosphere.
-Main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide(81%), methane(10%), Chlorofluorocarbon or CFCs(3%) and Nitrous oxide(7%).
-The greenhouse effect is also associated with global warming where an increase in the level of greenhouse gases has led to considerable heating of the earth.
-Scientists believe that global warming is the reason behind many adverse and odd climatic conditions being witnessed in various parts of the earth. It has also induced the melting of polar ice caps as well as glaciers in Himalayan snowcaps.
So, the correct answer is ‘Refrigerators.’

Note: Ultraviolet rays are highly injurious as they may have deleterious effects on ones’ DNA. Its high energy can break bonds within these molecules and might induce mutation along with the aging of skin and cancer. A high dose of UV-B radiation can lead to inflammation of the cornea and ultimately snow-blindness cataract, leading to permanent blindness.