What does the abbreviation CFCs stand for?

The abbreviation CFCs stands for Chlorofluorocarbons. CFCs are synthetic compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They were widely used in applications such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants due to their stability and effectiveness. However, it was later discovered that CFCs contribute to ozone depletion in the stratosphere, leading to increased ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which poses various environmental and health risks.

Understanding the structure of CFCs is crucial in discussions of their environmental impact. While the other options may sound plausible, they do not accurately represent the composition or nomenclature of CFCs. Carbon fluorocarbons and coolant fluorocarbons do not match the recognized scientific terminology, and chlorinated hydrocarbons refer to a different class of compounds that include chlorine but do not specifically denote the presence of fluorine or the collective group known as chlorofluorocarbons. Therefore, recognizing that CFCs specifically refers to chlorofluorocarbons highlights their unique properties and the issues associated with their use in environmental contexts.