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Question: Ozone layer is depleted by ____....

Ozone layer is depleted by ____.

A

NO

B

NO₂

C

NO₃

D

N₂O₅

Answer

NO

Explanation

Solution

Ozone layer depletion is caused by various substances, including nitrogen oxides. Among the given options, nitric oxide (NO) is a well-known catalyst for ozone destruction in the stratosphere. The catalytic cycle involves NO reacting with ozone (O₃) to form nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen (O₂). The NO₂ then reacts with atomic oxygen (O) to regenerate NO, allowing the cycle to continue and effectively convert O₃ and O into O₂.

The reactions are:

  1. NO + O₃ → NO₂ + O₂
  2. NO₂ + O → NO + O₂

Net reaction: O₃ + O → 2O₂

Thus, NO acts as a catalyst in the depletion of the ozone layer.