Ozone in stratosphere is depleted by:

Options

A. `CF_(2)Cl_(2)`
B. `C_(7)F_(16)`
C. `C_(6)H_(6)Cl_(6)`
D. `C_(6)F_(6)`

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Ozone Depletion**: Ozone (O₃) in the stratosphere is crucial for absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. However, certain chemicals can lead to its depletion.

2. **Identifying the Chemicals**: The question provides several chemical formulas: CF₂Cl₂, C₇F₁₆, C₆H₆Cl₆, and C₆F₆. Among these, CF₂Cl₂ is known as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC).

3. **Role of CFCs**: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are man-made compounds that were commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. They are stable in the lower atmosphere but can rise to the stratosphere.

4. **Mechanism of Ozone Depletion**: When CFCs reach the stratosphere, they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. For example, CF₂Cl₂ can be broken down to release chlorine atoms:
\[ \text{CF}_2\text{Cl}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{UV}} \text{Cl} + \text{CF}_2\text{Cl} \]

5. **Chlorine's Reaction with Ozone**: The released chlorine atom can react with ozone (O₃) to form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and oxygen (O₂):
\[ \text{Cl} + \text{O}_3 \rightarrow \text{ClO} + \text{O}_2 \]

6. **Regeneration of Chlorine**: The chlorine monoxide (ClO) can further react with a free oxygen atom (O) to regenerate the chlorine atom:
\[ \text{ClO} + \text{O} \rightarrow \text{Cl} + \text{O}_2 \]
This means that one chlorine atom can destroy many ozone molecules.

7. **Conclusion**: The depletion of the ozone layer allows more UV radiation to penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, which can lead to harmful effects on living organisms. Therefore, the primary compound responsible for ozone depletion in the stratosphere is CF₂Cl₂.

### Final Answer
Ozone in the stratosphere is depleted by CF₂Cl₂ (chlorofluorocarbon).

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