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Quizzes > Science

CFC Test: Check Your Chlorofluorocarbon Knowledge

Quick, free CFC practice quiz with instant results and helpful explanations.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jeff Barillaro Sr.Updated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a CFC knowledge quiz on a dark blue background

This CFC test helps you review chlorofluorocarbon basics, sources, safety rules, and ozone impacts so you can spot gaps before a certification exam. For broader context on the air we breathe, try the air quality quiz, and build core skills with a general chemistry quiz.

What does CFC stand for?
Chemical fluoride carbon
Chlorofluorocarbon
Chlorine fluorine complex
Carbon fluoride compound
CFC is an acronym for chlorofluorocarbon, reflecting its composition of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms. These compounds were widely used due to their chemical stability and non-flammability. Their persistence in the atmosphere, however, contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion over time.
Which element is NOT part of a typical CFC molecule?
Chlorine
Fluorine
Hydrogen
Carbon
CFCs are composed of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms, with no hydrogen present. This absence contributes to their high atmospheric stability. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) contain hydrogen but CFCs do not.
Before regulation, what was the primary commercial use of CFCs?
Refrigerants and air conditioning
Fertilizer production
Fuel additives
Pesticide formulations
CFCs were widely adopted as refrigerants and in air-conditioning systems due to their non-toxicity and stability. Their non-flammable nature made them safer than earlier refrigerants. The later discovery of their ozone-depleting properties led to regulatory phase-outs.
Which layer of the atmosphere contains the ozone that CFCs deplete?
Mesosphere
Stratosphere
Troposphere
Thermosphere
The ozone layer resides primarily in the stratosphere, about 10 - 50 km above Earth's surface. Here, ozone absorbs harmful UV-B radiation, protecting life below. CFCs break down under UV light, releasing chlorine that destroys stratospheric ozone.
Which international agreement first mandated the phase-out of CFCs?
Kyoto Protocol
Montreal Protocol
Paris Agreement
London Convention
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, was the first global treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances like CFCs. It set binding targets for signatory nations to reduce and eliminate CFC production. Amendments and adjustments have since accelerated the schedule and added new substances.
Which of the following is a common CFC refrigerant?
Ammonia
CFC-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane)
HCFC-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane)
HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane)
CFC-12, or dichlorodifluoromethane, was widely used in refrigeration and auto air conditioning. It was phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to its high ozone-depletion potential. HCFCs and HFCs replaced it temporarily or permanently, respectively.
How many chlorine atoms are present in CFC-11 (CCl?F)?
1
2
4
3
The molecular formula CCl?F indicates three chlorine atoms bonded to one carbon atom, with the fourth position occupied by fluorine. The chlorine atoms released in the stratosphere catalyze ozone destruction. Counting substituents in chemical formulas is a basic structural interpretation.
Which gas was introduced as a transitional replacement for CFCs due to lower ozone-depletion potential?
Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)
Chlorobenzene
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF?)
Propane
HCFCs contain hydrogen, making them more prone to breakdown in the lower atmosphere and less likely to reach the stratosphere than CFCs. This gives HCFCs a lower ozone-depletion potential, though they are still regulated. The ultimate goal remains to replace HCFCs with zero-ODP alternatives.
Which inherent property made CFCs safe for many industrial applications?
High electrical conductivity
Strong acidity
Non-flammability
High reactivity
CFCs are non-flammable and chemically inert under normal conditions, making them safe for use in refrigeration and as solvents. Their stability prevented unwanted reactions, a key advantage over earlier refrigerants. However, this same stability allowed them to persist and reach the stratosphere.
What color is ozone gas at standard conditions?
Green
Colorless
Pale blue
Yellow
Ozone is a pale blue gas under standard temperature and pressure, distinct from the colorless diatomic oxygen we breathe. Its color arises from its triatomic molecular structure and absorption features. Instrumentation must account for this when measuring ambient ozone.
Ultraviolet radiation causes CFC molecules to release which reactive species?
Oxygen radicals (O·)
Hydroxyl radicals (OH·)
Chlorine radicals (Cl·)
Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
In the stratosphere, UV-B photons cleave the C - Cl bond in CFCs, releasing chlorine radicals. These radicals catalyze ozone destruction through chain reactions. One chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules before being deactivated.
Which major chemical company was one of the first to manufacture CFCs commercially?
Dow Chemical
DuPont
ExxonMobil
BASF
DuPont commercialized Freon™ (various CFCs) in the 1930s after General Motors discovered the refrigerant properties. This innovation revolutionized refrigeration and air conditioning industries. Widespread use persisted until environmental impacts became clear.
What is the molecular formula for the common refrigerant CFC-12?
CCl?F
CCl?F?
CClF?
CH?Cl?
CFC-12 is dichlorodifluoromethane, with two chlorine and two fluorine atoms bonded to a single carbon. This stoichiometry gives it the formula CCl?F?. Its stability and boiling point made it ideal for refrigeration.
Why are CFCs considered greenhouse gases?
They increase cloud formation
They absorb ultraviolet radiation
They reflect visible sunlight
They trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere
CFCs absorb infrared radiation emitted from Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Although they exist in lower concentrations than CO?, their high global warming potentials make them significant. Phasing them out helps mitigate both ozone depletion and climate change.
The most severe seasonal ozone holes have been observed over which region?
Over the tropics
Antarctica
Mid-latitude Europe
Arctic
Cold temperatures in the Antarctic stratosphere lead to polar stratospheric cloud formation, which catalyzes chlorine activation. This results in the largest and most consistent ozone hole each spring. Arctic conditions are milder, producing a smaller, variable ozone loss.
Which Nobel Prize winner first theorized the role of CFCs in ozone depletion?
F. Sherwood Roland
Mario J. Molina
Sherwood Rowland
Paul Crutzen
Mario Molina and F. Sherwood Rowland published the landmark 1974 paper predicting CFC-driven ozone depletion. They shared the 1995 Nobel Prize with Paul Crutzen for this work. Their research prompted the scientific and policy response leading to the Montreal Protocol.
What is the approximate atmospheric lifetime of CFC-11?
100 years
1 year
45 years
5 years
CFC-11 has an atmospheric lifetime of about 45 years, meaning it persists long enough to reach the stratosphere. This longevity allows it to undergo photolysis and release chlorine at high altitudes. Its long residence time contributes significantly to ozone depletion.
Which reaction initiates the catalytic cycle of ozone destruction by chlorine?
Cl· + O? ? ClO·
ClO· + O ? Cl· + O?
Cl· + O? ? ClO· + O?
O? + UV ? O? + O
The chlorine radical (Cl·) reacts with ozone to form chlorine monoxide (ClO·) and molecular oxygen, starting the catalytic destruction cycle. This reaction is rapid and repeats as ClO· regenerates Cl· in subsequent steps. It underpins the efficiency of ozone depletion by a single chlorine atom.
What is the ozone-depletion potential (ODP) a measure of?
Toxicity to humans
Relative ability of a compound to destroy ozone per unit mass
Global warming contribution
Lifetime of a gas in the atmosphere
ODP quantifies how much ozone a chemical can destroy relative to CFC-11, per unit mass. Higher ODP values indicate greater ozone-depleting efficiency. It guides regulatory prioritization under the Montreal Protocol.
Which amendment to the Montreal Protocol introduced controls on HCFCs?
Kigali Amendment (2016)
Copenhagen Amendment (1992)
London Amendment (1990)
Beijing Amendment (1999)
The London Amendment, adopted in 1990, added controls on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to the original framework. It accelerated phase-out schedules and widened the treaty's scope. Subsequent amendments addressed new substances and tightened regulations.
Which property gives CFCs such high global warming potentials (GWPs)?
High solubility in water
Strong infrared absorption and long atmospheric lifetime
Low molecular weight
High reactivity with hydroxyl radicals
CFCs absorb infrared radiation efficiently and remain in the atmosphere for decades. This combination allows them to trap heat effectively compared to CO?. Their GWPs can range into the thousands, making them potent greenhouse gases.
What instrument is commonly used to measure atmospheric CFC concentrations?
Ultraviolet spectrometer
Infrared gas analyzer
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Gas diffusion detector
GC-MS separates complex gas mixtures and identifies CFC species by their mass spectra. It provides highly precise, low-level detection needed for atmospheric monitoring. This technique underpins international observation networks.
Which process transports CFCs from the surface to the stratosphere?
Marine evaporation
Surface runoff
Atmospheric mixing and convection
Volcanic emission
CFCs released at ground level are carried aloft by vertical mixing and convective currents into the troposphere. Over months, global circulation transports them to the stratosphere. Their chemical inertness prevents removal before reaching ozone-rich altitudes.
Which satellite instrument provided the first global measurements of ozone depletion?
Lidar Ozone Sensor
Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)
Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS)
TOMS, launched in 1978, mapped global ozone levels daily and revealed the Antarctic ozone hole. Its ultraviolet backscatter measurements quantified column ozone worldwide. TOMS data were critical in proving CFC-driven depletion.
Why do polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) accelerate ozone loss?
They transport ozone out of the stratosphere
They block incoming UV radiation
They reflect infrared radiation
They provide surfaces for chlorine activation
PSCs form at very low polar stratospheric temperatures and allow heterogeneous reactions that convert reservoir chlorine compounds into active radicals. These activated chlorine species then rapidly destroy ozone when sunlight returns. Without PSCs, the catalytic cycles are much slower.
Which reaction deactivates two ClO radicals back to inactive chlorine?
ClO· + O ? Cl· + O?
2 ClO· ? Cl?O?; followed by photolysis
ClO· + NO? ? ClONO?
ClO· + H? ? HCl + O?
Two ClO radicals combine to form the Cl?O? dimer, which upon photolysis regenerates Cl· radicals and O?, sustaining the catalytic cycle. This reaction is key to the efficiency of ozone destruction in polar regions. It demonstrates the coupling of radical chemistry and sunlight.
Which human activity has contributed most directly to historical CFC emissions?
Automotive fuel combustion
Coal-fired power plants
Production of foam blowing agents
Agricultural fertilizer use
CFCs were used extensively as blowing agents in polyurethane foams for insulation and packaging. Their stability and gaseous expansion made them commercially attractive. Foam production was one of the largest CFC markets before regulation.
According to the Chapman mechanism, which step is rate-limiting in natural ozone formation?
O + O? + M ? O? + M
O + O ? O?
O? + UV ? O? + O
O? + O ? 2 O?
The three-body recombination of atomic and molecular oxygen with a third body (M) is the slowest step, determining ozone production rate. This step depends on pressure and temperature in the stratosphere. Understanding it is key for modeling natural ozone levels.
Which molecular species is the main reservoir for chlorine in the stratosphere?
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
Chlorine gas (Cl?)
Chlorine nitrate (ClONO?)
Chlorine monoxide (ClO)
HCl acts as the primary reservoir species, storing chlorine in an inactive form under typical stratospheric conditions. It can later release Cl· radicals via photolysis or reaction with OH·. Reservoir dynamics control catalytic ozone loss rates.
The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer established which foundational principle?
Mandatory phase-out schedules
Framework for international cooperation on ozone science
Economic penalties for non-compliance
Global cap on CFC trade
The 1985 Vienna Convention laid the groundwork for global sharing of research and monitoring data on ozone depletion but did not set control measures. It enabled later protocols like Montreal to implement specific phase-out requirements. It exemplifies a two-step treaty approach.
Which detection technique on satellites allows direct measurement of stratospheric ClO?
Microwave limb sounding
Lidar aerosol profiling
UV backscatter imaging
Infrared nadir sounder
Microwave limb sounding measures thermal emission from ClO rotational transitions at limb viewing angles. This technique yields vertical profiles of stratospheric chlorine monoxide. Data help quantify ozone-depleting cycles.
What is the major sink process for atmospheric CFCs?
Deposition in ocean water
Photodissociation in the stratosphere
Reaction with OH radicals in the troposphere
Soil microbial degradation
CFCs are inert in the troposphere and primarily removed by UV-induced photolysis in the upper stratosphere. This process breaks C - Cl bonds to release chlorine radicals, leading to ozone depletion. Tropospheric sinks are negligible for CFCs.
Which greenhouse gas has a higher global warming potential: CFC-113 or sulfur hexafluoride (SF?)?
SF?
CFC-113
They have equal GWP
Neither has significant GWP
Sulfur hexafluoride has a GWP of about 23,500 over 100 years, far exceeding CFC-113's GWP (~6,130). SF?'s strong IR absorption and extremely long atmospheric lifetime make it the most potent known greenhouse gas. Regulatory focus extends beyond CFCs to other high-GWP gases.
Explain how polar stratospheric cloud (PSC) chemistry accelerates ozone loss beyond normal catalytic cycles.
PSCs reflect infrared radiation, changing temperature profiles
PSCs provide surfaces for heterogeneous reactions converting reservoir chlorine into active radicals
PSCs scatter UV radiation, increasing photolysis of ozone
PSCs block sunlight and reduce ozone production
PSCs enable reactions like ClONO? + HCl ? Cl? + HNO? on their surfaces, releasing molecular chlorine. Sunlight then photolyzes Cl? into two Cl· radicals, which rapidly deplete ozone. These heterogeneous processes greatly amplify loss compared to gas-phase cycles alone.
How has the observed decline in atmospheric CFC concentrations correlated with recovery of Antarctic ozone since the late 1990s?
Ozone levels dropped more rapidly after CFC decline
Ozone levels have increased linearly as CFCs declined
No correlation has been observed
Ozone continued to deplete despite CFC decline
Long-term satellite and ground observations show a steady ozone recovery trend over Antarctica in line with falling CFC levels. This correlation validates the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol. Natural variability still causes annual fluctuations, but the overall trend is positive.
What is the primary objective of the Kigali Amendment in relation to CFC replacement chemicals?
Phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to mitigate climate forcing
Eliminate all HCFC use globally
Increase production of foam-blowing agents
Mandate use of CFCs in developing countries
The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol targets HFCs - potent greenhouse gases that replaced CFCs/HCFCs. By phasing down HFC production and consumption, it aims to limit global warming. It complements ozone protection with climate benefits.
Which modeling approach couples atmospheric chemistry and climate dynamics to project future CFC and ozone scenarios?
Chemistry-climate models (CCMs)
Global circulation models (GCMs) only
Statistical trend extrapolation
Box models of the troposphere
CCMs integrate detailed stratospheric chemistry modules with three-dimensional climate dynamics to simulate interactions among CFCs, ozone, and climate. They can assess feedbacks, such as temperature-driven changes in ozone chemistry. CCMs are the state-of-the-art tool for future projections.
How is isotopic fractionation used to trace sources and sinks of atmospheric CFCs?
Isotopic signatures in C and Cl reveal production pathways and degradation history
Fractionation alters infrared absorption spectra
It measures the molecular weight distribution only
It correlates humidity with CFC concentration
Differences in ¹³C/¹²C and ³?Cl/³?Cl ratios arise during CFC manufacture and atmospheric processing. Measuring these ratios in samples can identify industrial source profiles and photochemical degradation extents. This isotopic approach helps refine budgets and unreported emissions.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand CFC Fundamentals -

    After completing the CFC test, readers will grasp the chemical structure, properties, and classification of chlorofluorocarbons, laying a solid foundational knowledge.

  2. Analyze Environmental Impact -

    Readers will be able to evaluate how CFCs contribute to ozone depletion and climate change, using data-driven insights to assess their environmental risks.

  3. Interpret Regulatory Frameworks -

    Engaging in the quiz helps users recognize key international treaties and policies governing CFC phase-out, preparing them for CFC exam questions on regulation.

  4. Apply Knowledge in Practice -

    The interactive CFC practice test format enables readers to apply concepts in real-time scenarios, reinforcing retention and boosting test-taking confidence.

  5. Assess Quiz Performance -

    Users will learn to analyze their individual results from the scored quiz, identifying areas of strength and topics that require further study before a CFC certification test online.

  6. Refine Test Strategies -

    By reviewing feedback from the cfc test, readers will develop effective strategies for time management and question analysis to excel on their actual exam.

Cheat Sheet

  1. CFC Molecular Structure and Nomenclature -

    Chlorofluorocarbons follow the general formula CClxF4 - x (e.g., CFC-11 is CCl3F). A handy mnemonic is "Count Chlorines First" to recall how many chlorine atoms (x) replace fluorine in each variant. Understanding this naming system lays the groundwork for any cfc test or cfc exam question on compound identification.

  2. Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) -

    ODP measures how much a substance can destroy ozone compared to CFC-11 (ODP = 1), while GWP quantifies heat-trapping ability over 100 years. For instance, CFC-12 has an ODP of 1.0 and a GWP near 10 900. Remember "One Ozone, One ODP" to anchor your understanding for cfc practice test scenarios.

  3. Atmospheric Breakdown Mechanism -

    Under UV radiation in the stratosphere, CFCs release chlorine radicals that catalyze ozone destruction via Cl + O₃ → ClO + O₂ and ClO + O → Cl + O₂. This chain reaction can deplete thousands of ozone molecules per radical. Reviewing these reaction steps is essential for mastering any cfc certification test online.

  4. Montreal Protocol and Regulatory Milestones -

    The 1987 Montreal Protocol, backed by UNEP and the EPA, mandated phasedown of CFC production, achieving near-elimination by 2010. Tracking key amendments (London '97, Beijing '99) helps you map historical compliance timelines. This policy background often appears in advanced cfc exam questions.

  5. Effective Study Strategies for CFC Quizzes -

    Boost retention by mixing flashcards on ODP/GWP values, drawing molecular structures, and timing yourself on cfc practice test questions. Use reputable sources like NASA and university chemistry sites for diagrams and reaction examples. Regular self-assessment with free cfc test platforms builds confidence ahead of any formal cfc certification test online.

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