Which of the following is a major air pollutant responsible for acid rain?
A. SO₂
B. CO
C. N₂
D. O₂
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) from burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil) reacts with water vapor to form sulfurous and sulfuric acids, causing acid rain. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) also contribute. CO is a toxic gas but does not form strong acid; O₂ and N₂ are normal atmospheric gases. Acid rain damages ecosystems, buildings, and soil.
Explanation:
Smelting is the pyrometallurgical process of extracting a metal from its ore by heating it beyond its melting point and reducing the metal oxide with a carbonaceous reducing agent (like coke or coal). Flux is often added to remove impurities as slag. Calcination and roasting are oxidation processes.
Explanation:
Burning of a candle involves combustion of wax (hydrocarbons) with oxygen to produce CO₂ and H₂O, a chemical change. The melting of wax is a physical change. Cutting wood is physical (size change). Freezing water is physical (state change). A chemical change results in new substances with different properties. Often irreversible.
Explanation:
Gamma rays (γ) are high-energy electromagnetic radiation (photons). Unlike alpha particles (mass, +2 charge) and beta particles (mass, -1 charge), gamma rays have zero rest mass and no electrical charge. Thus, they are not deflected by electric or magnetic fields.
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