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100

Question 100

Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain?
1. Carbon monoxide
2. Nitrogen oxide
3. Ozone
4. Sulphur dioxide

AOptions

A) 1, 2 and 3

B) 2 and 4 only

C) 4 only

D) 1, 3 and 4

BSolution

Acid rain is primarily caused by the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the Earth as acid rain (wet deposition) or dry particles and gases (dry deposition).

1. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas formed from incomplete combustion. It is a major air pollutant but does not directly cause acid rain.
2. Nitrogen oxide: Nitrogen oxides (NOx), particularly NO2, are significant precursors to acid rain. They are primarily released from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles and power plants.
3. Ozone: Ozone (O3) is a powerful oxidant and a component of photochemical smog, but it is not a direct cause of acid rain in terms of forming the acidic components.
4. Sulphur dioxide: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a major contributor to acid rain, mainly from the burning of fossil fuels (especially coal) in power plants and industrial facilities.

Therefore, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide are the primary causes of acid rain among the given options.

CStrategy

For questions on environmental pollution, identify the specific pollutants responsible for particular phenomena. For acid rain, remembering the key gaseous precursors (sulfur and nitrogen oxides) is fundamental.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Environment and Ecology, specifically air pollution and its effects, such as acid rain.

EQuestion Analysis

Easy. Acid rain and its primary causes (SO2 and NOx) are fundamental concepts in environmental science and are widely covered in general knowledge.