Question

Increases in number of refrigerators and air conditioners usage causes environmental effects. Explain.

Answer 1

Refrigerators and air conditioners use the coolants that contain halogenated paraffin hydrocarbons such as chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbon. These gases undergo the process of photooxidation in the presence of UV rays when they reach the stratosphere. This reaction releases nascent chlorine that reacts with ozone to form molecular oxygen. Therefore, these gases act as ozone-depleting substances. The following diagram summarizes this reaction:

Therefore, increased usage of refrigerators and air conditioners results in ozone destruction.