Consider the following :
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen oxide
- Ozone
- Sulphur dioxide
Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are cause(s) of acid rain ?
[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2 and 4 only” option3=”4 only” option4=”1, 3 and 4″ correct=”option2″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
Statement 1 (Carbon monoxide) is incorrect. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a pollutant but does not cause acid rain.
Statement 2 (Nitrogen oxide) is correct. Nitrogen oxides (NOx, including NO and NO₂) are major precursors to nitric acid formation in acid rain.
Statement 3 (Ozone) is incorrect. Ozone (O₃) is a secondary pollutant and a greenhouse gas. While it can contribute to the oxidation processes that form acid rain from SO₂ and NOx, it is not a precursor acid gas itself and is not considered a primary cause in the same way as SO₂ and NOx.
Statement 4 (Sulphur dioxide) is correct. Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) is a major precursor to sulfuric acid formation in acid rain.