2.1 In which atmospheric layer is the ozone layer? 2.2 What is the function of the ozone layer? 2.3 How many oxygen atoms are there in the ozone layer? 2.4 Briefly explain how the ozone layer is formed. 2.5 Why is the ozone in the troposphere "bad"? 2.6 (a) What is OZONE DEPLETION? (b) What CAUSES OZONE DEPLETION? (c) How can we REDUCE OZONE DEPLETION? (a) Name THREE ways how the ultraviolet sunrays can influence (b) Name THREE ways how the ultraviolet sunrays can influence the environment.

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1. **2.1 Which atmospheric layer is the ozone layer?**  
 The ozone layer is located in the **stratosphere**.

2. **2.2 What is the function of the ozone layer?**  
 The ozone layer absorbs most of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, thus protecting living organisms from its damaging effects.

3. **2.3 How many oxygen atoms are there in the ozone layer?**  
 Each ozone molecule consists of three oxygen atoms, i.e., the chemical formula is  
 $$ O_3 $$.

4. **2.4 Briefly explain how the ozone layer is formed.**  
 The formation of the ozone layer occurs through a process known as the Chapman cycle:
 - Ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks apart a molecule of oxygen ($$ O_2 $$) into two individual oxygen atoms.
 - An oxygen atom then collides with another $$ O_2 $$ molecule to form ozone ($$ O_3 $$).
 Thus, the reaction can be summarized as:
  $$ O_2 + 	ext{UV light} ightarrow 2O $$  
  $$ O + O_2 ightarrow O_3 $$

5. **2.5 Why is the ozone in the troposphere "bad"?**  
 Unlike in the stratosphere, ozone in the troposphere is considered a pollutant. In the troposphere, ozone:
 - Contributes to smog formation.
 - Can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
 - Damages crops and other vegetation.

6. **2.6 (a) What is OZONE DEPLETION?**  
 Ozone depletion refers to the reduction in the amount of ozone in the stratosphere, primarily caused by reactions with certain man-made chemicals.

7. **2.6 (b) What CAUSES OZONE DEPLETION?**  
 The main causes of ozone depletion are chemicals such as:
 - Chlorofluorocarbons ($$ 	ext{CFCs} $$)
 - Halons
 - Other substances containing chlorine and bromine.
 These chemicals are released into the atmosphere through industrial and other human activities.

8. **2.6 (c) How can we REDUCE OZONE DEPLETION?**  
 We can reduce ozone depletion by:
 - Phasing out the use of $$ 	ext{CFCs} $$ and similar ozone-depleting substances.
 - Implementing and enforcing international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol.
 - Promoting alternatives and technologies that do not emit ozone-depleting chemicals.

9. **Ultraviolet Sunrays' Influence on the Environment**  
 (a) **Name THREE ways how ultraviolet sunrays can influence the environment:**  
  1. They can increase the incidence of mutations in living organisms, affecting ecosystems at the genetic level.  
  2. High levels of UV radiation can damage terrestrial and aquatic plant life, impairing photosynthesis and reducing crop yields.  
  3. UV radiation can alter chemical reactions in the atmosphere, contributing to the formation of photochemical smog.

(b) **Name THREE ways how the ultraviolet sunrays can influence the environment (with focus on health and ecological impacts):**  
  1. They can lead to increased skin cancers and eye damage, negatively affecting human health and wildlife.  
  2. Increased UV exposure can degrade phytoplankton in oceans, disrupting the base of the marine food chain.  
  3. Enhanced UV levels can influence the natural cycling of nutrients and the balance of natural ecosystems.

1. **2.1** The ozone layer is in the **stratosphere**. 2. **2.2** The ozone layer protects Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation. 3. **2.3** Each ozone molecule has **3 oxygen atoms**. 4. **2.4** Ozone is formed when ultraviolet light breaks down oxygen molecules, creating oxygen atoms that then combine with other oxygen molecules to form ozone. 5. **2.5** Tropospheric ozone is "bad" because it contributes to air pollution, causes health issues, and damages plants. 6. **2.6 (a)** Ozone depletion is the reduction of ozone in the stratosphere. 7. **2.6 (b)** Ozone depletion is caused by chemicals like CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances released into the atmosphere. 8. **2.6 (c)** To reduce ozone depletion, we should stop using harmful chemicals, enforce international agreements, and use alternatives that don't harm the ozone layer. 9. **Ultraviolet Sunrays' Influence** - **Environmental Effects:** 1. Increase genetic mutations in living things. 2. Damage plants and reduce crop yields. 3. Alter atmospheric chemical reactions, leading to smog. - **Health and Ecosystem Impacts:** 1. Cause skin cancers and eye damage. 2. Harm phytoplankton in oceans, disrupting marine life. 3. Affect nutrient cycles and ecosystem balance.

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