HVAC - EPA Certification Practice Exam

Which type of organic compound does CFC stand for?

1. Chloro-fluoro-carbon

2. Chloro-fluorohydrocarbon

3. Chloro-alkane-carbon

4. Chloro-carbon-fluoride

The correct answer is: Chloro-fluoro-carbon

CFC stands for Chloro-fluoro-carbon, which accurately describes its chemical structure. This designation highlights the presence of chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), and carbon (C) atoms in the compound. CFCs were commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems due to their stability and effectiveness as refrigerants. Understanding the significance of each part of the term is essential for grasping the nature of CFCs. Chlorine atoms contribute to the compound's ability to deplete the ozone layer, which led to international regulations against their use, such as the Montreal Protocol. Fluorine enhances the stability of these compounds, making them less reactive in the atmosphere, while carbon forms the backbone of the structure. The other options do not accurately represent the specific components of CFCs. For example, "Chloro-fluorohydrocarbon" includes hydrogen implicitly, which is characteristic of other classes of refrigerants, while "Chloro-alkane-carbon" incorrectly designates the carbon structure. Similarly, "Chloro-carbon-fluoride" rearranges the terminology without maintaining the proper nomenclature. Thus, Chloro-fluoro-carbon is the precise term that reflects the classification of CFCs.