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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

A secondary air pollutant is one that:

Answer: Is formed in the atmosphere by reaction between primary pollutants.

  • A Is formed in the atmosphere by reaction between primary pollutants
  • B Is emitted directly from a source such as a vehicle exhaust
  • C Is always less harmful than a primary pollutant
  • D Exists only in the stratosphere

Correct answer: A. Is formed in the atmosphere by reaction between primary pollutants

Explanation: Secondary pollutants (e.g., ozone, PAN) are not emitted directly but are produced by chemical reactions among primary pollutants in the atmosphere.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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