In a small region of the upper atmosphere, ultraviolet light splits 45 oxygen molecules…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
In a small region of the upper atmosphere, ultraviolet light splits oxygen molecules. Every free atom then joins another oxygen molecule. How many free oxygen atoms form? How many ozone molecules form? How many oxygen molecules are used in all?
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Ozone, , forms high in the atmosphere: UV light splits into two atoms, and each atom joins an to form . The ozone layer absorbs most UV radiation, which can cause skin cancer. CFCs from refrigerants and fire extinguishers thinned it; a UNEP agreement of 1987 froze CFC production.
The worked solution
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Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Atoms. oxygen atoms.
Step 2. Ozone. Each atom makes one : ozone molecules.
Step 3. Oxygen used. were split, and more were joined: molecules of .
Answer: atoms, ozone molecules, and oxygen molecules used.
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