How many chlorine atoms are needed to destroy 100,000 ozone molecules in the stratosphere?

One chlorine atom has the capability to destroy a significant number of ozone (O3) molecules due to the chemical reactions involved in ozone depletion. Specifically, a single chlorine atom can catalyze the destruction of around 100,000 ozone molecules through a series of reactions.

The mechanism typically involves chlorine molecules (Cl2), which can release free chlorine atoms when they react with light (UV radiation) in the stratosphere. This free chlorine then reacts with ozone, converting it to ordinary oxygen (O2) while regenerating the chlorine atom, allowing it to continue reacting with more ozone molecules.

Thus, to destroy 100,000 ozone molecules, only one chlorine atom is needed because of its ability to repeatedly interact with ozone. This principle highlights the potency of chlorine in ozone depletion and showcases the environmental impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chlorine-containing compounds.