Question

The ozone layer: Between 15 and 50 km above the earth is a thin layer of gas called 'ozone'. It protects the earth from most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Too much radiation causes blindness in animals and skin cancer in people. In 1985, scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer in the Antartica. They have recently discovered a smaller hole over the arctic. The ozone layer is also becoming thinner over other locations of the earth too. Scientists believe that over the last 10 years about 30% of the ozone layer has disappeared. This damage is caused by chemicals. Choose the right statement(s) from the following.

• A. The greenhouse effect would be more efficient and the temperature of earth would increase.
• B. CFCs would result in the depletion of the ozone layer.
• C. Infrared radiation from the sun would bombard earth.
• D. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun cannot enter earth.

Answer 1

The correct option is B CFCs would result in the depletion of the ozone layer.

The presence of CFCs in the atmosphere results in the depletion of the ozone layer. They are used as coolants in refrigerators, coolers, etc. The CFCs causes the breaking of the ozone molecule which forms the oxygen radical and O${}_2$. The depletion of the ozone layer results in the penetration of the harmful UV radiations from the sun into the Earth's atmosphere.

Thus, the correct answer is option B.