Chemistry
It is necessary to maintain a healthy balance of atmospheric radicals. Evaluate this statement.
Answer
A healthy balance of atmospheric radicals is necessary because some radicals help in cleaning the atmosphere, while others can harm it.
Hydroxyl radicals (OH•) and nitrate radicals (NO₃•) remove pollutants such as methane, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases from the air. However, excess chlorine radicals (Cl•) released from chlorofluorocarbons can destroy the ozone layer.
Hence, atmospheric radicals must be maintained in balance to keep the atmosphere clean without causing environmental damage.
Related Questions
(a) Account for the existence of radicals in the atmosphere.
(b) How are they produced in the atmosphere?
(c) What is the role of radicals in the atmosphere?
Free radicals are necessary for some biological functions, but excessive radicals cause significant damage. State the ways in which they can cause damage.
Elements X, Y and Z have 3, 7 and 6 electrons in their valence shells respectively. Write the formula of the compound formed between :
(a) X and Y
(b) X and Z
The following figure represents the structural formula of a chemical compound.
Answer the questions given below:
(a) How many Carbon and Hydrogen atoms are present in the compound.
(b) Write the molecular and empirical formulae of the compound.
(c) Calculate the percentage composition of all the elements present in the compound. [At. wt. of C = 12, H = 1]