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AP Environmental Science Practice Quiz: Reducing Ozone Depletion

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 7 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 7

According to the text, which class of chemicals is being replaced to mitigate the depletion of the ozone layer?

All Questions (7)

According to the text, which class of chemicals is being replaced to mitigate the depletion of the ozone layer?

A) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

B) Greenhouse gases

C) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

D) Ozone substitutes

Correct Answer: C

The text explicitly states that ozone depletion can be mitigated by replacing ozone-depleting chemicals, and it identifies chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as the chemicals being substituted.

What is the primary environmental benefit of using hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

A) HFCs are not strong greenhouse gases.

B) HFCs are less chemically reactive in the troposphere.

C) HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer.

D) HFCs are less expensive to manufacture.

Correct Answer: C

The text states that ozone depletion is mitigated by using substitutes, such as HFCs, that "do not deplete the ozone layer." This is their main advantage over CFCs.

While hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) help protect the ozone layer, what is a significant environmental problem associated with some of them?

A) They are also ozone-depleting chemicals.

B) They are strong greenhouse gases.

C) They lead to the formation of acid rain.

D) They are toxic to marine ecosystems.

Correct Answer: B

The text clearly identifies a major drawback of HFCs, stating that "some are strong greenhouse gases," which contribute to global warming.

Based on the text, which statement best describes the strategy for mitigating ozone depletion?

A) Developing chemicals that both repair the ozone layer and reduce global warming.

B) Finding substitutes for ozone-depleting chemicals, even if the substitutes have other environmental impacts.

C) Banning all industrial refrigerants and aerosols.

D) Replacing chlorofluorocarbons with chemicals that are less potent but still deplete ozone.

Correct Answer: B

The text describes a mitigation strategy of replacing ozone-depleting chemicals (CFCs) with substitutes (HFCs). It also notes that these substitutes can have other negative impacts, such as being strong greenhouse gases, implying a trade-off.

A nation switches its air conditioning industry from using chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Based on the provided information, what is a likely consequence of this action?

A) The nation's contribution to ozone depletion will decrease, but its contribution to the greenhouse effect may increase.

B) The nation's contribution to both ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect will be eliminated.

C) The nation's contribution to ozone depletion will remain the same, but its contribution to the greenhouse effect will decrease.

D) The nation's contribution to the greenhouse effect will be eliminated, but its contribution to ozone depletion will increase.

Correct Answer: A

Replacing CFCs with HFCs mitigates ozone depletion because HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer. However, since some HFCs are strong greenhouse gases, this switch could increase the nation's contribution to global warming.

Which of the following correctly identifies a chemical being phased out and its replacement, as described in the text?

A) Phased Out: HFCs; Replacement: CFCs

B) Phased Out: Greenhouse gases; Replacement: HFCs

C) Phased Out: Ozone; Replacement: CFCs

D) Phased Out: CFCs; Replacement: HFCs

Correct Answer: D

The text states that ozone-depleting chemicals (CFCs) are being replaced with substitutes, and it provides hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as an example of such a replacement.

Which of the following statements most accurately synthesizes the information provided about CFCs and HFCs?

A) Both CFCs and HFCs are environmentally harmful, but they damage different aspects of the atmosphere.

B) HFCs are a perfect, problem-free substitute for the environmentally damaging CFCs.

C) CFCs and HFCs have identical chemical properties and environmental impacts.

D) The replacement of HFCs with CFCs is the primary method for mitigating ozone depletion.

Correct Answer: A

The text indicates CFCs are harmful because they deplete the ozone layer. It also indicates HFCs are harmful because some are strong greenhouse gases. This shows that both are harmful but impact different environmental systems (the ozone layer vs. the global climate system).