The question asks to identify the layer of Earth's atmosphere where air pollution primarily accumulates and affects living organisms. This requires knowledge of the different layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics, particularly their proximity to the Earth's surface and their role in supporting life.
Correct Option: D) Troposphere is the lowermost layer of the Earth's atmosphere where most weather occurs, and where human activities release pollutants. Therefore, air pollution mainly accumulates here and directly affects living organisms.
Which toxic gas, produced mainly from the incomplete combustion of fuel in vehicles, is dangerous because it binds strongly with haemoglobin in blood?
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
The question asks to identify a toxic gas, primarily from incomplete combustion in vehicles, that is dangerous due to its strong binding affinity with haemoglobin. We need to evaluate each option based on its source, toxicity, and interaction with the human body, specifically haemoglobin.
Correct Option: C) Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels in vehicles. It is highly dangerous because it binds to haemoglobin with an affinity much greater than oxygen, forming carboxyhaemoglobin and reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.
Which gaseous pollutant, released mainly from burning sulphur-containing coal and oil, is a major contributor to acid rain?
Methane
Carbon monoxide
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Ground-level ozone
The question asks to identify the gaseous pollutant primarily responsible for acid rain, specifically mentioning its release from burning sulfur-containing coal and oil. We need to recall the major pollutants involved in acid rain formation.
C) Sulphur dioxide (\(\text{SO}_2\)) is the primary gaseous pollutant released from burning sulfur-containing coal and oil that contributes significantly to acid rain. It reacts in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid.
The question asks about the primary environmental contributions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced during high-temperature combustion in vehicle engines. We need to identify the major atmospheric pollution phenomena associated with NOx.
D) Photochemical smog and acid rain — As explained above, NOx is a primary precursor for both photochemical smog (through the formation of ground-level ozone and other oxidants) and acid rain (through the formation of nitric acid).
The question describes a specific type of air pollution characterized by a brownish haze, formed by the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and unburnt hydrocarbons, particularly in cities with heavy traffic. We need to identify the correct term for this phenomenon from the given options.
Correct Option: D) Photochemical smog is the brownish haze formed over cities with heavy traffic, caused by the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and unburnt hydrocarbons. This process is initiated by sunlight and involves chemical reactions between primary pollutants (NOx, VOCs) to form secondary pollutants (like ozone, PANs), leading to the characteristic haze.
The question asks to identify the gas that, along with smoke and fog, forms classical smog. This requires knowledge of the composition and characteristics of classical smog, also known as London smog or industrial smog.
B) Sulphur dioxide is the correct answer. Classical smog is also known as "sulfurous smog" because of the significant role of sulfur dioxide in its formation. It results from the burning of large amounts of coal, which releases smoke, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants into the air. In the presence of high humidity and fog, these pollutants combine to form a dense, grey smog.