JasonNg1025 said:
PVC (Polyvinylchloride)
PVC is a polymer made from chloroethene monomers. PVC can be used for flooring and carpet backing. This is because it is soft, pliable, has low static electricity and has fire and water resistance. It can also be used for sheets for roofs and skylights, as it is strong and does not let water through, nor does it dissolve in water (no rain issues).
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a polymer made from ethenylbenzene monomers. It is used in disposable foam cups. This is because it has a low density, keeps its shape and insulates heat well. It is also insoluble and inert. Polystyrene is also used in packaging for appliances. This is because it is shock resistant, rigid, and does not conduct electricity.
Question - Assess the effectiveness of the steps taken to alleviate the problem with CFCs (DO NOT STATE HOW THEY DEPLETE OZONE. PERSONALLY I AM OVER THAT XD)
HCFCS (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons) were temporary replacements for CFCs, after the 1987 Montreal Protocol declared that concentration of CFCs should be cut by 50% by the year 2000, and by 1996 for all emissions of CFCs to cease. HCFCs contain C-H bond(s) which can react with -OH radicals in the troposphere as they diffuse towards the stratosphere, thus slowing their diffusion into the stratosphere, and minimising the amount that actually reaches the stratosphere. However, once in the stratosphere, Chlorine radicals are still released which still catalyse the destruction of ozone, hence are not an effective step to alleviate problems with CFCs.
HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons) are a longer term replacement, as they contain no Chlorine. Most HFCs will react with -OH radicals in the troposphere, and minimal amounts will reach the stratosphere. Since there is no Chlorine in HFCs, the damage to ozone is virtually none. However, HFCs are a greenhouse gas and may contribute to global warming. Although, overall, HFCs are a much improved, and successful solution to the problems caused by CFCs solely.
The 1987 Montreal Protocol was quite successful in achieving legislation to ban the emission and production of CFCs by 1996, and the target to reduce the concentration of CFCs in the atmosphere by 50%by the year 2000, hence significantly contributing to solve the problems caused by CFCs.