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Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among

  1. NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
  2. CO, 02 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight
  3. CO, CO2 and N02 at low temperature
  4. High concentration of N02, O3 and CO in the evening

Explanation

Option (a) is correct
  • Photochemical smog is also known as summer smog or Los Angeles smog.
    It occurs most prominently in urban areas with high vehicular emissions.
  • It forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react together in the presence of sunlight to form ozone (a secondary pollutant).
  • The resulting smog causes a light brownish colouration of the atmosphere, reduced visibility, plant damage, irritation of the eyes, and respiratory distress.

Diagram illustrating photochemical smog formation, showing primary pollutants (CO, NO, NO2, VOC) emitted from sources like volcanoes, factories, cars, and ships. It details chemical reactions under UV rays producing secondary pollutants such as aldehydes, ozone (O3), hydroxyl radicals (OH), and PAN, with color-coded labels and arrows highlighting pollutant transformation pathways and resulting compounds.

Answer: (a) NO2, 03 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight; Difficulty Level: Easy
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