Which of the following free radicals is responsible for causing break down of ozone into oxygen due to use of CFCs ?

Options

A. O
B. Cl
C. `CH_(3)`
D. OH

Explanation

To solve the question of which free radical is responsible for the breakdown of ozone into oxygen due to the use of CFCs, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Role of CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They are known to be harmful to the ozone layer.

**Hint:** Remember that CFCs are made up of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, and they are commonly used in refrigeration and aerosol propellants.

### Step 2: Identify the Reaction with Ultraviolet Radiation
When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This breakdown produces chlorine free radicals.

**Hint:** UV radiation is a key factor in breaking down CFCs and releasing chlorine radicals.

### Step 3: Understand the Reaction of Chlorine Radicals with Ozone
The chlorine free radical (Cl·) reacts with ozone (O₃) in the atmosphere. This reaction leads to the formation of oxygen (O₂) and a chlorine monoxide radical (ClO·).

**Hint:** Focus on the chemical reaction where chlorine radicals interact with ozone to produce oxygen.

### Step 4: Recognize the Chain Reaction
The chlorine monoxide radical (ClO·) can further react with nascent oxygen (O) to regenerate the chlorine radical (Cl·). This means that one chlorine radical can deplete many ozone molecules in a chain reaction.

**Hint:** A chain reaction means that one molecule can continue to react multiple times, leading to significant ozone depletion.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The free radical responsible for the breakdown of ozone into oxygen due to the use of CFCs is the chlorine radical (Cl·).

**Final Answer:** The correct answer is chlorine radical (Cl·).

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