The question concerns factors contributing to stratospheric ozone depletion. An analysis of the provided options is required.
Factors Affecting Ozone Destruction:
- (A) CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) decompose under UV radiation, yielding chlorine radicals. These radicals are potent agents of ozone molecule destruction, thus directly linking CFCs to ozone depletion.
- (B) Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs): PSCs offer surfaces for chemical reactions that liberate active chlorine compounds from CFCs, thereby facilitating ozone destruction. Consequently, PSCs are indirectly linked to ozone depletion.
- (C) UV-B: While UV-B radiation can break down ozone molecules, its primary role in this context is an outcome of ozone layer thinning, as reduced ozone allows more UV-B to reach the Earth.
- (D) UV-A: UV-A, being less energetic than UV-B, does not significantly interact with ozone molecules or contribute to their destruction.
- (E) Cl radicals: Chlorine radicals, released from CFCs, are highly efficient catalysts for ozone molecule breakdown, establishing a direct association with ozone depletion.
Based on the preceding explanations:
- (A) CFCs are implicated in ozone destruction.
- (B) Polar Stratospheric Clouds are involved in reaction pathways leading to ozone depletion.
- (E) Cl radicals directly participate in the destruction of ozone molecules.
Therefore, the factors identified as associated with ozone destruction among the given options are: (A), (B), and (E) exclusively.