Which statement regarding R-12 is correct?

Which statement regarding R-12 is correct?

• A. R-12 is a hydrofluorocarbon.
• B. R-12 boils at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 Celsius).
• C. R-12 is destructive to Earth's ozone layer.
• D. All answers are correct.

Answer: (C)

R-12, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane, is a refrigerant that was commonly used in air conditioning systems and refrigeration applications. The statement that R-12 is destructive to Earth's ozone layer is accurate because R-12 contains chlorine, a chemical known to contribute to ozone depletion when released into the atmosphere. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), like R-12, break down in the stratosphere under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that can destroy ozone molecules. The other statements include some inaccuracies: R-12 is not a hydrofluorocarbon; it belongs to the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) family. Additionally, while it does boil at a low temperature, the exact boiling point is not precisely 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), which can lead to confusion. Therefore, the statement regarding R-12's ozone-depleting properties is the only one that accurately reflects its environmental impact.

R-12, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane, is a refrigerant that was commonly used in air conditioning systems and refrigeration applications. The statement that R-12 is destructive to Earth's ozone layer is accurate because R-12 contains chlorine, a chemical known to contribute to ozone depletion when released into the atmosphere. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), like R-12, break down in the stratosphere under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that can destroy ozone molecules.

The other statements include some inaccuracies: R-12 is not a hydrofluorocarbon; it belongs to the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) family. Additionally, while it does boil at a low temperature, the exact boiling point is not precisely 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius), which can lead to confusion. Therefore, the statement regarding R-12's ozone-depleting properties is the only one that accurately reflects its environmental impact.