In the upper atmosphere, the ultra-violet light breaks off a free chlorine atom from chlorofluorocarbon molecule. The effect of this is that the free chlorine atom will?

A. be very reactive and will attack ozone
B. be non-reactive and will not attack ozone
C. not change the level of ozone in the atmosphere
D. increase the level of ozone in the atmosphere

Correct Answer:

Option A – be very reactive and will attack ozone

Explanation

CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years, and consequently one free chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do a lot of damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time