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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

Which of the following is a PRIMARY air pollutant (directly emitted into the atmosphere)?

Answer: Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ).

  • A Ozone (O<sub>3</sub>)
  • B Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN)
  • C Sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>)
  • D Sulphuric acid aerosol

Correct answer: C. Sulphur dioxide (SO<sub>2</sub>)

Explanation: Primary pollutants are emitted directly from identifiable sources. SO<sub>2</sub> is directly released from burning sulphur-containing coal and petroleum. Ozone, PAN, and sulphuric acid aerosol are secondary pollutants formed in the atmosphere by reactions among primary pollutants.

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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