Asked by Blair Bowen on May 01, 2024

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Which of the following is characteristic of CFCs? 

A)  CFCs are relatively unreactive compounds. 
B)  Ultraviolet radiation will not cause CFCs to break down. 
C)  CFCs are heavy molecules that will sink in the atmosphere. 
D)  Only UV-B radiation is impacted by CFCs.

Ultraviolet Radiation

A form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds, which can cause skin damage, eye problems, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Reactive Compounds

Substances that readily engage in chemical reactions with other materials due to their unstable electron configurations.

  • Familiarize yourself with the effects of CFC characteristics on environmental wellbeing, emphasizing their role in ozone layer damage.
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NF
Nicholas FosterMay 02, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are known to be relatively unreactive compounds, which is one of the reasons they were used as refrigerants, solvents, and propellants. However, this characteristic also makes them very stable in the atmosphere, allowing them to persist for many years and cause damage to the ozone layer. Ultraviolet radiation can cause the breakdown of CFCs, but this process releases chlorine atoms that can react with ozone molecules and deplete the ozone layer. CFCs are also relatively heavy molecules that can sink in the atmosphere and reach the stratosphere where the ozone layer is located. CFCs can impact both UV-B and UV-C radiation, not just UV-B.