Question

Which one of the following is not a component of photochemical smog?
1. Ozone
2. Peroxyacetyl nitrate
3. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons
4. Nitric oxide

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Polyaromatic hydrocarbons

The correct answer is Polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

 

• A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is a chemical compound containing only carbon and hydrogen that is composed of multiple aromatic rings.
• photochemical smog is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities.
• It tends to occur more often in summer because that is when we have the most sunlight.
• The composition includes a mixture of ozone, aldehydes, nitric acid, peroxyacetyl nitrates (PANs), and many other secondary pollutants.
• Photochemical smog is created when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC) in the atmosphere.
  • Nitrogen oxides are emitted in the atmosphere from automobiles, power plants, factory emissions. Volatile organic compounds are released in the atmosphere due to paints, gasoline, and cleaning solvents.
  • Photochemical smog is also called Los Angeles Smog.
  • This kind of smog requires neither smoke nor fog.
  • Intense light is required for the photochemical reaction.
  • It is also known as summer smog because the smog is produced when UV light originating from the sun interacts with the oxides of nitrogen present in the atmosphere.