Supersonic Aircrafts discharge the following substance into the stratosphere:

The correct answer is NO2.

Key Points

• Supersonic aircrafts release nitrogen oxides (NOx), particularly NO2, into the stratosphere.
• These emissions occur at high altitudes where supersonic aircrafts operate, typically between 10 km and 20 km above the Earth's surface.
• NO2 is a significant contributor to the depletion of the ozone layer.
• The presence of NO2 in the stratosphere leads to complex chemical reactions that break down ozone (O3) molecules.
• Regulations and technological advancements are continuously being developed to mitigate the impact of NO2 emissions from supersonic aircrafts.

Additional Information

• Stratosphere
  • The stratosphere is the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere, just above the troposphere and below the mesosphere.
  • It extends from about 10 km to 50 km above the Earth's surface.
  • This layer contains the ozone layer, which absorbs and scatters ultraviolet solar radiation.
• Ozone Layer
  • The ozone layer is a region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone (O3) molecules.
  • It protects living organisms by blocking most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
  • Depletion of the ozone layer leads to increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface, causing health and environmental issues.
• Supersonic Aircraft
  • Supersonic aircraft are designed to fly faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1).
  • Examples include military jets like the F-22 Raptor and the retired Concorde commercial airliner.
  • Supersonic flight poses unique challenges, including high fuel consumption and environmental impacts such as NOx emissions.
• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
  • NOx is a generic term for the nitrogen oxides that are most relevant for air pollution, including NO and NO2.
  • They are produced from the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen gases in the air during combustion, especially at high temperatures.
  • NOx emissions contribute to smog and acid rain and have harmful effects on human health and the environment.