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Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment
All textbooksBrown 14th EditionCh.18 - Chemistry of the EnvironmentProblem 22c
Chapter 18, Problem 22c

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). (c) When appropriate concentrations of ozone are present in the stratosphere, is all of the UV light absorbed before reaching the Earth’s surface? If not, which region or regions are not filtered out?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of ozone in the stratosphere: Ozone (O₃) absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting living organisms on Earth by preventing harmful UV rays from reaching the surface.
Identify the absorption capabilities of ozone: Ozone is most effective at absorbing UV-C radiation, which is the most harmful type of UV radiation. It also absorbs some UV-B radiation but is less effective at absorbing UV-A radiation.
Analyze the UV regions: UV-C (100–280 nm) is almost completely absorbed by ozone and oxygen in the stratosphere. UV-B (280–315 nm) is partially absorbed, with some reaching the Earth's surface. UV-A (315–400 nm) is the least absorbed and mostly reaches the Earth's surface.
Determine which UV regions reach the Earth's surface: Since ozone absorbs UV-C and some UV-B, but not UV-A, the UV-A region is not filtered out and reaches the Earth's surface.
Conclude the analysis: Not all UV light is absorbed by the ozone layer. The UV-A region is not effectively filtered out and reaches the Earth's surface, while UV-C is mostly absorbed, and UV-B is partially absorbed.

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Key Concepts

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

Ozone Layer and UV Radiation

The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules. It plays a crucial role in absorbing the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UV-B and UV-C. However, it allows some UV-A radiation to pass through, which is less harmful but can still contribute to skin damage and other biological effects.
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Types of UV Radiation

Ultraviolet radiation is categorized into three types based on wavelength: UV-A (315–400 nm), UV-B (280–315 nm), and UV-C (100–280 nm). UV-A has the longest wavelength and is less energetic, while UV-C has the shortest wavelength and is the most energetic. Understanding these distinctions is essential for assessing how different UV types interact with the ozone layer and their potential effects on living organisms.
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Absorption and Transmission of UV Light

The absorption and transmission of UV light by the ozone layer determine how much UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface. While ozone effectively absorbs most UV-B and UV-C radiation, some UV-A radiation can penetrate through. This selective absorption is critical for understanding the protective role of the ozone layer and the potential risks associated with UV exposure at the surface level.
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Related Practice
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?

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 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

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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Textbook Question

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