What is a result of chlorine atoms interacting with ozone molecules?

When chlorine atoms interact with ozone molecules, the primary result is the destruction of ozone. Ozone (O₃) plays a critical role in the Earth's stratosphere by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Chlorine, often derived from compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), can break apart ozone molecules in a catalytic reaction.

In this process, a chlorine atom reacts with an ozone molecule to form chlorine monoxide (ClO) and oxygen (O₂). The reaction can be represented as follows: when a chlorine atom encounters ozone, it takes one oxygen atom, thereby converting ozone into ordinary oxygen while simultaneously forming chlorine monoxide. The critical point here is that a single chlorine atom can destroy thousands of ozone molecules because the chlorine monoxide can react with more ozone, releasing the chlorine atom again to continue the destruction.

Thus, both the formation of chlorine monoxide and the destruction of ozone are direct results of the interaction between chlorine atoms and ozone molecules, making the correct answer encompass both effects. This understanding highlights the environmental impact of substances containing chlorine and their contribution to ozone depletion in the atmosphere.