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Year 11
Edexcel
Foundation

Ozone layer: a story of global success

I can describe why the ozone layer was nearly destroyed, but through a global community and international resolution it was saved.

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New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Foundation

Ozone layer: a story of global success

I can describe why the ozone layer was nearly destroyed, but through a global community and international resolution it was saved.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The ozone layer protects life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun.
  2. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were once used, and when they entered our atmosphere reacted with ozone (O₃).
  3. Ozone levels decreased, but scientific communication led to action being taken to prevent further loss of ozone.
  4. The work of analytical scientists suggests the ozone layer is now reforming.

Common misconception

Ozone layer and climate change are linked/the same thing.

Ozone layer depletion was caused by human activity, but not through use of burning fossil fuels/greenhouse gas emissions. Both are atmospheric issues, but not the same issue.

Keywords

  • Ozone - Ozone is made up of oxygen atoms. It has the molecular formula O₃.

  • Ozone layer - The ozone layer refers to an area in the stratosphere where there is a high concentration of ozone.

  • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation - Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation which is emitted from the Sun.

  • Chlorofluorocarbons - Chlorofluorocarbons are compounds consisting of chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms only.

  • Analytical scientists - Analytical scientists use a range of scientific techniques to study the chemical composition of substances.

NASA have ozone map images from each month. Students might also like to compare the difference in ozone levels over the northern and southern hemisphere.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the molecular formula for an oxygen molecule?
O
Correct answer: O₂
O₃
O₄
Q2.
Which of the following are an impact of increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
a 'hole' in the ozone layer
Correct answer: global warming
volcanic eruptions
Q3.
Why do humans wear sunscreen and sunglasses?
to provide protection from atmospheric ozone
Correct answer: to provide protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation
to provide protection from infrared radiation
to prevent inhaling atmospheric pollutants
Q4.
Which of the following is not a type of electromagnetic radiation?
ultraviolet radiation
infrared radiation
visible light
Correct answer: beta radiation
Q5.
Which elements does the molecule in the image contain?
An image in a quiz
hydrogen and carbon
Correct answer: chlorine, fluorine and carbon
hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine and carbon
hydrogen, fluorine and carbon
Q6.
Match the key term with the correct definition.
Correct Answer:atmosphere,a layer of gas surrounding a planet

a layer of gas surrounding a planet

Correct Answer:ultraviolet (UV) radiation,a type of electromagnetic radiation which is emitted from the Sun

a type of electromagnetic radiation which is emitted from the Sun

Correct Answer:chlorofluorocarbon,compound consisting of chlorine, fluorine and carbon only

compound consisting of chlorine, fluorine and carbon only

Correct Answer:ozone layer,an area in the atmosphere where there is a high concentration of ozone

an area in the atmosphere where there is a high concentration of ozone

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following caused a 'hole' in the ozone layer?
carbon dioxide
Correct answer: chlorofluorocarbons
methane
carbon monoxide
hydrocarbons
Q2.
What does CFCs stand for?
hydrochlorfluorocarbons
hydrofluorocarbons
Correct answer: chlorofluorocarbons
hydrocarbons
Q3.
CFCs were once used in which items?
Correct answer: fridges
washing detergent
Correct answer: air conditioning
carbon capture and storage
Correct answer: aerosol cans
Q4.
Why is the ozone layer important for life on Earth?
it absorbs higher frequency infrared radiation
it absorbs lower frequency infrared radiation
Correct answer: it absorbs shorter wavelength ultraviolet radiation
it absorbs shorter wavelength microwave radiation
Q5.
Which of the following are risks associated with ultraviolet radiation?
Correct answer: sunburn
lung cancer
Correct answer: skin cancer
Correct answer: cataracts
heart disease
Q6.
Look at the image and identify the group of compounds it belongs to.
An image in a quiz
chlorofluorocarbons
hydrochlorofluorocarbons
hydrocarbons
Correct answer: hydrofluorocarbons