AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Reducing Ozone Depletion
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a major environmental drawback of using some HFCs as a substitute for CFCs?
While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, some are strong greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
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What is a major environmental drawback of using some HFCs as a substitute for CFCs?
While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, some are strong greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
What is the primary method for mitigating ozone depletion?
Ozone depletion can be mitigated by replacing ozone-depleting chemicals, like CFCs, with substitutes that do not deplete the ozone layer.
What is an 'ozone-depleting chemical'?
An ozone-depleting chemical is a substance, such as a CFC, that causes the breakdown of the ozone layer.
If the sole goal is to stop ozone depletion, are HFCs an effective solution?
Yes, if the only goal is to stop ozone depletion, HFCs are an effective solution because they do not damage the ozone layer.
Why are HFCs considered a suitable replacement for CFCs in the context of ozone layer protection?
HFCs are considered a suitable replacement because, unlike CFCs, they are substitutes that do not deplete the ozone layer.
What is the relationship between HFCs and greenhouse gases?
While not all HFCs are problematic, some are identified as being strong greenhouse gases.
Explain the environmental trade-off when substituting CFCs with certain HFCs.
The trade-off involves protecting the ozone layer at the potential cost of increasing the concentration of strong greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
What are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the context of this topic?
CFCs are ozone-depleting chemicals for which substitutes, such as HFCs, are sought to mitigate damage to the ozone layer.
What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
HFCs are chemicals used as substitutes for ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
A manufacturer switches from CFCs to HFCs in their air conditioning units. What problem is solved, and what new problem might be created?
The problem of ozone depletion is solved, but a new problem of contributing to climate change may be created if the HFCs used are strong greenhouse gases.