Question 85
Set 1
Contents
QQuestion
OOptions
✓Correct Answer
DDalvoy Solutions
Artificial rainfall (cloud seeding) to reduce air pollution uses silver iodide and potassium iodide as seeding agents.
Silver iodide: The primary cloud seeding agent that acts as ice nuclei, helping water droplets in clouds to freeze and form precipitation. Its crystal structure is similar to ice, making it highly effective for inducing rainfall.
Potassium iodide: Used as a supplementary seeding agent that enhances the cloud seeding process and helps in the formation of precipitation.
This technique is used to wash out pollutants from the atmosphere, particularly during severe air pollution episodes. The induced rainfall helps bring down suspended particulate matter and other air pollutants, providing temporary relief from poor air quality conditions.
SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips
For cloud seeding questions, focus on iodide compounds as they are commonly used for their ice-nucleating properties. Silver iodide is the most widely used cloud seeding agent globally.