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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

Which pollutant is chiefly responsible for global warming?

Answer: carbon dioxide.

  • A sulfur dioxide
  • B carbon dioxide
  • C oxygen
  • D nitrogen

Correct answer: B. carbon dioxide

Explanation: Carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel combustion is the dominant driver of global warming.

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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