Q28 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (21 Apr Shift 1) · Chemistry

Which of the following gases causes depletion in ozone layer?

  • A
    He
  • Correct answer
    B
    NO
  • C
    $\mathrm{CO}_2$
  • D
    $\mathrm{H}_2$

Solution

The ozone layer in the stratosphere protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Depletion occurs primarily through catalytic reactions with certain chemical species.

Helium is inert and non-reactive with ozone. Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming but does not deplete ozone. Hydrogen gas shows no known ozone-depleting properties.

Nitric oxide participates in a catalytic cycle:
$NO + O_3 \rightarrow NO_2 + O_2$
$NO_2 + O \rightarrow NO + O_2$

The net reaction is $O_3 + O \rightarrow 2O_2$, with nitric oxide acting as a catalyst to destroy ozone molecules.

Nitric oxide is therefore the ozone-depleting species.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.

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