There is a considerable concern about the depletion of the 'ozone layer'. Ozone, 03, is constantly being formed in the upper atmosphere by oxygen molecules reacting with oxygen atoms. These atoms are formed when other oxygen molecules absorb high energy Ultraviolet radiation and undergo homolytic bond fission
O2 --> O. + O. (Reaction 1)
O. + O2 --> O3 (Reaction 2)
The ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation and breaks down to oxygen molecules and atoms.
O3 --> O2 + O. (Reaction 3)
Another reaction, which is not light dependent, also removes ozone:
O3 + O. --> 2O2 (Reaction 4)
Over time ozone and oxygen concentrations reach a steady state.
Question is: Reaction 2 has an enthalpy change of -100 kj mol-1 and Reaction 4 an enthalpy change of -390 kg mol-1. Assuming that Reactions 1 and 2 are followed by Reaction 4, show how this results in the upper atmosphere warming up by effectively converting light energy into heat energy.
Calculate the amount of heat produced per mole of oxygen molecules