CHLOROFLUOROCARBON Meaning and
Definition
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Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is a chemical compound made up of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. It is commonly known by its acronym, CFC, and is used extensively as a refrigerant, propellant, and solvent in various industrial processes.
CFCs are synthetic compounds that were initially developed in the mid-20th century and gained widespread use due to their stability, non-toxicity, and non-flammability. They were commonly used in household appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and aerosol sprays.
However, the adverse environmental impact of CFCs became apparent with the discovery of the ozone hole in the 1980s. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs can reach the stratosphere, where they undergo chemical reactions in the presence of ultraviolet radiation, resulting in the destruction of ozone molecules. Ozone depletion causes detrimental effects on the Earth's protective ozone layer, which shields the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Due to their significant role in ozone depletion, the use of CFCs has been strictly regulated by international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. The global phase-out of CFCs has been successful, leading to a gradual recovery of the ozone layer.
Today, alternative compounds such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have replaced CFCs in many applications as they have a lower impact on the ozone layer. Nonetheless, the use and production of CFCs remain tightly controlled to ensure minimal contribution to ozone depletion.
Common Misspellings for CHLOROFLUOROCARBON
- xhlorofluorocarbon
- vhlorofluorocarbon
- fhlorofluorocarbon
- dhlorofluorocarbon
- cglorofluorocarbon
- cblorofluorocarbon
- cnlorofluorocarbon
- cjlorofluorocarbon
- culorofluorocarbon
- cylorofluorocarbon
- chkorofluorocarbon
- chporofluorocarbon
- choorofluorocarbon
- chlirofluorocarbon
- chlkrofluorocarbon
- chllrofluorocarbon
- chlprofluorocarbon
- chl0rofluorocarbon
- chl9rofluorocarbon
Etymology of CHLOROFLUOROCARBON
The word "chlorofluorocarbon" has its etymology rooted in its chemical composition. Specifically:
1. "Chloro-" is derived from the Greek word "khloros", meaning "green" or "yellowish-green", and refers to the element chlorine (Cl).
2. "Fluoro-" is derived from the Latin word "fluor", meaning "flow" or "flux", and refers to the element fluorine (F).
3. "Carbon" is derived from the Latin word "carbo", meaning "charcoal" or "coal", and refers to the element carbon (C).
Therefore, "chlorofluorocarbon" literally translates to a compound consisting of carbon (C), chlorine (Cl), and fluorine (F) atoms.
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