Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

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Prepare for the EPA MVAC Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam today!

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What role does ultraviolet radiation play regarding CFCs?

It enhances their stability
It breaks them down and frees the chlorine ion
It has no effect on CFCs
It increases their toxicity

The correct answer is: It breaks them down and frees the chlorine ion

Ultraviolet radiation plays a critical role in the breakdown of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the stratosphere. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they eventually rise to the stratosphere where they are exposed to UV radiation. This high-energy radiation breaks apart the CFC molecules, leading to the release of chlorine atoms. These free chlorine atoms are highly reactive and can catalyze the destruction of ozone molecules, which is a significant environmental concern since the ozone layer protects the Earth from harmful solar UV radiation. This process illustrates the environmental impact of CFCs and highlights why they are considered harmful to the ozone layer, supporting the need for regulations and measures to limit their use and release. The understanding of this reaction emphasizes the importance of monitoring and controlling substances that can deplete the ozone layer.