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Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment
Brown - Chemistry: The Central Science 14th Edition
Brown14th EditionChemistry: The Central ScienceISBN: 9780134414232Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.18 - Chemistry of the EnvironmentProblem 24
Chapter 18, Problem 24

Which of the following reactions in the stratosphere cause an increase in temperature there? (a) O(g) + O2(g) → O3+(g) (b) O3*(g) + M(g) → O3(g) + M*(g) (c) O2(g) + hv → 2 O(g) (d) O(g) + N2(g) → NO(g) + N(g) (e) All of the above

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Identify the reactions that involve the absorption of energy, as these are likely to cause an increase in temperature.
Consider reaction (c): \(\text{O}_2(g) + h\nu \rightarrow 2 \text{O}(g)\). This reaction involves the absorption of ultraviolet light (hv), which provides energy to break the O-O bond in \(\text{O}_2\), leading to an increase in temperature.
Evaluate the other reactions to determine if they involve energy absorption or release. Reactions that release energy (exothermic) can also increase temperature.
Reaction (a) involves the formation of ozone, which is an exothermic process, potentially increasing temperature.
Conclude that reactions involving energy absorption or exothermic processes contribute to temperature increase in the stratosphere.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Stratospheric Chemistry

Stratospheric chemistry involves the study of chemical reactions that occur in the stratosphere, particularly those involving ozone (O3) and other atmospheric gases. The reactions can influence the concentration of ozone, which plays a crucial role in absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, thereby affecting temperature and climate patterns.

Photodissociation

Photodissociation is the process by which a chemical compound is broken down by photons, typically ultraviolet light. In the context of the stratosphere, the reaction O2(g) + hv → 2 O(g) illustrates how UV radiation can lead to the formation of reactive oxygen atoms, which can subsequently participate in other reactions that may affect temperature.

Ozone Formation and Depletion

Ozone formation and depletion are critical processes in the stratosphere that influence temperature. Reactions that produce ozone, such as O(g) + O2(g) → O3(g), can lead to warming as ozone absorbs UV radiation. Conversely, reactions that deplete ozone can lead to cooling effects, making it essential to understand these dynamics when analyzing temperature changes in the stratosphere.
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Textbook Question

(a) What is the difference between chlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons?

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Textbook Question

The ultraviolet spectrum can be divided into three regions based on wavelength: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm). (b) In the absence of ozone, which of these three regions, if any, are absorbed by the atmo- sphere?

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Textbook Question

The ultraviolet spectrum can be divided into three regions based on wavelength: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm). (a) Photons from which region have the highest energy and therefore are the most harmful to living tissue? (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm).

Textbook Question

The wavelength at which the O2 molecule most strongly absorbs light is approximately 145 nm. (b) Would a photon whose wavelength is 145 nm have enough energy to photodissociate O2 whose bond energy is 495 kJ/mol? Would it have enough energy to photoionize O2?

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