Environmental Studies · Geography

Atmospheric Structure and Ozone

1,319 Questions

Atmospheric structure and ozone layer topics examine the Earth's atmospheric layers, the impact of solar radiation, and ozone depletion mechanisms. These environmental science concepts are crucial for general awareness sections in multiple competitive examinations. Review these questions to solidify your understanding of the stratosphere, polar vortex effects, and greenhouse gases.

Earth's atmospheric layersOzone layer depletionSolar ultraviolet radiationPolar vortex effectsCarbon dioxide impactOzone-depleting substances

Atmospheric Structure and Ozone Questions

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Which of the following are main responsible for ozone depletion?

  1. Chlorofluorocarbons

  2. Hydrocarbons

  3. Carbon monoxide

  4. Carbon dioxide
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  • Ozone depletion occurs when chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) present in aerosols and refrigerants are released into the stratosphere. 
  • Ultraviolet radiations from the sun break these CFCs molecules and release the chlorine atoms.
  • Chlorine atom reacts with the ozone (O3) molecules and starts the ozone destruction cycle.
  • So, the correct answer is 'Chlorofluorocarbons'.
Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Which harmful radiations are absorbed by ozen layer?

  1. UV

  2. X-RAY

  3. Visible light

  4. Gamma rays
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
  • The ozone layer or ozone($O _3$) shield is a region of Earth's stratosphere that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet(UV)radiation.
  • Overexposure to UV radiation may cause skin cancer, damage of the eye and the suppression of the immune system.
  • Hence The harmful radiations are absorbed by ozone layer UV.
  • So, the correct answer is 'UV'.
Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Why ozone is known as 'chemical weed ' ?

  1. Because it is formed by chemical reactions

  2. Because it is harmful as well useful

  3. Because it is harmful, just like weeds for mankind

  4. Ozone is not designated as chemical weed
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ozone is an inorganic molecule and a light blue gas with a pungent odor that is prevalent in the stratosphere just below the atmosphere of the earth. Without ozone, plants and animals would be receiving so much radiation from the sun that it would be difficult, if not impossible, for life to even survive here. The effects of no ozone to protect these harmful rays would be that all life here on earth would soon burn up, essentially. Although most associated with the atmosphere, ozone is also a powerful oxidant with many industrial and consumer uses. However, it must be used with extreme caution. The high oxidizing potential of ozone causes damage to mucous and respiratory tissues in animals and also damages tissue in plants at extremely high levels. In commercial agriculture, ozone can be used in conjunction with other chemicals and gases as a control for certain noxious weeds or pests.


So, the correct option is 'Option A', Because it is formed by chemical reactions.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

The effect of ozone depletion include

  1. UV light reaches the earth

  2. affect the climate

  3. cause skin cancer

  4. all the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Ozone depletion allows more harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth, which can lead to skin cancer and other health issues, and it also impacts global climate patterns. Therefore, all listed effects are correct.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Major cause of Ozone depletion is due to which chemical?

  1. Chloro Fluoro Carbons

  2. Polyphenols

  3. Dioxins

  4. Rayon
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the primary chemicals responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer. They release chlorine atoms when exposed to UV radiation in the stratosphere.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

What gases are involved in ozone depletion?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Chlorine and Bromine

  3. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)

  4. Both B and C
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Chlorine and bromine atoms are the active agents that destroy ozone molecules. While CFCs are the source, the gases involved in the actual chemical reaction are chlorine and bromine.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

What causes effects of ozone layer?

  1. Alpha Radiations

  2. Ultraviolet Radiations

  3. Gamma radiations

  4. Beta Radiations
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The ozone layer protects the Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Depletion of this layer leads to increased exposure to these radiations.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

The major pollutants to deplete ozone are

  1. Chlorofluorocarbons

  2. Nitrogen oxides

  3. Hydrocarbons

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Pollution leads to the addition of harmful components in the environment which adversely affect the quality of the environment. CFCs is an organic compound and a volatile derivative of methane, ethane, and propane. It is known as Freon. They are used as a refrigerant. The radical chlorine escapes from CFC in the presence of UV radiation and is long lived in the upper atmosphere where it catalyzes the conversion of ozone into oxygen molecule.

So, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Ozone layer of upper atmosphere is being destroyed by 

  1. Sulphurdioxide

  2. Carbondioxide

  3. Chlorofluorocarbon

  4. Smog
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation
CFCs are used as refrigerants in refrigerators and AC. CFCs discharged in the lower part of atmosphere move upward and reach the stratosphere. In the stratosphere, UV rays act on them releasing Cl atoms. Cl reduces the ozone and releases molecular oxygen, Cl atoms are not consumed in the reaction. Hence, whatever CFCs are added to the stratosphere, they have permanent and continuing effects on ozone levels. This has resulted in the formation of a large area of thinned ozone layer, commonly called as the ozone hole.
Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Ozone protects biosphere from high energy

  1. Infra-red rays

  2. Ultraviolet rays

  3. X - rays

  4. Gamma rays
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The ozone layer is mainly found in the stratosphere. Ozone layer acts as a shield that absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UV rays are highly injurious to living organisms since DNA and proteins of living organisms preferentially absorb UV rays, and its high energy breaks the chemical bonds within these molecules. UV-B damages DNA and mutation may occur. It causes aging of the skin, damage to skin cells and various types of skin cancers.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Chlorofluorocarbon releases a chemical harmful to ozone

  1. Fluorine

  2. Sulphur dioxide

  3. Nitrogen peroxide

  4. Chlorine
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Ozone gas is a layer which is present in the stratosphere and absorbs the harmful ultraviolet radiation. The ozone depletion takes due to the excessive emission of (CFCs). CFC find wide use as refrigerants. CFCs discharged in the lower part of atmosphere move upward and reach stratosphere. In stratosphere, UV rays act on them releasing Cl atoms. Cl degrades ozone releasing molecular oxygen, with these atoms acting merely as catalysts; Cl atoms are not consumed in the reaction. Hence, whatever CFCs are added to the stratosphere, they have permanent and continuing affects on ozone levels. This has resulted in formation of a large area of thinned ozone layer, commonly called as the ozone hole.

Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

Ozone layer is disturbed by

  1. Large number of factories

  2. Supersonic jets

  3. Large number of automobiles

  4. None of these
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
Ozone is a form of a blanket covering the upper atmosphere which protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. Because of ozone depletion, these rays can now reach the earth through hole which was previously protected by ozone blanket. The various causes of ozone depletion are as follows:
  • Huge combustion of fossil fuel and organic matter.
  • Excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers.
  • supersonic rockets and space shutters.
  • Nuclear test.
  • Excessive use of chlorofluorocarbons.
So, the correct answer is option B.
Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion
Which of the following chemical is released by chlorofluorocarbon that is harmful to ozone ?

  1. Fluorine

  2. Sulphur dioxide

  3. Nitrogen peroxide

  4. Chlorine
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbons are the compounds which are used as coolants in the air conditioning systems, refrigerators, coolers, etc. The CFCs, when released into the atmosphere, react with UV rays to form chlorine atoms which destroy the ozone layer and results in the thinning out of the ozone layer also known as the ozone hole.

Thus, the correct answer is option D. 

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

The factor responsible for depletion of ozone layer is

  1. Excessive use of automobiles

  2. Excessive industrial units

  3. Excessive use of man made compounds containing chlorine and fluorine

  4. Excessive deforestation
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Chlorofluorocarbon compounds are released from automobiles, refrigerators, etc. These compounds cause an increase in atmospheric temperature causing global warming.

So, option C " Excessive use of man-made compounds containing chlorine and fluorine" is the correct answer.

Multiple choice commercial applications global environmental change causes of resource depletion causes of greenhouse effect ozone layer depletion

The ozone layer: Between 15 and 50 km above the earth is a thin layer of gas called 'ozone'. It protects the earth from most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. Too much radiation causes blindness in animals and skin cancer in people. In 1985, scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer in the Antartica. They have recently discovered a smaller hole over the arctic. The ozone layer is also becoming thinner over other locations of the earth too. Scientists believe that over the last 10 years about 30% of the ozone layer has disappeared. This damage is caused by chemicals. Choose the right statement(s) from the following. 

  1. The greenhouse effect would be more efficient and the temperature of earth would increase.

  2. CFCs would result in the depletion of the ozone layer.

  3. Infrared radiation from the sun would bombard earth.

  4. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun cannot enter earth.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The presence of CFCs in the atmosphere results in the depletion of the ozone layer. They are used as coolants in refrigerators, coolers, etc. The CFCs causes the breaking of the ozone molecule which forms the oxygen radical and O$ _2$. The depletion of the ozone layer results in the penetration of the harmful UV radiations from the sun into the Earth's atmosphere. 

Thus, the correct answer is option B.