Question

Amongst the pollutants listed below, ___A___ are gaseous and ___B___ are particulate in nature.

Sulphur dioxide, Carbon dioxide, VOCs, Dust, Carbon monoxide, Soot

• A. A - 2, B - 4
• B. A - 5, B - 1
• C. A - 4, B - 2
• D. A - 6, B - 0

Answer 1

The correct option is C A - 4, B - 2

Any undesirable change in the quality of air is defined as air pollution. Pollution is caused by the addition of some undesirable agents, known as pollutants, into air.

Based on their physical nature, air pollutants can be -

• Gaseous in nature such as oxides of nitrogen (e.g., NO₂), oxides of sulphur (SO₂, SO₃), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), organic chemicals (hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds or VOCs), etc.
• Particulate in nature such as dust, soot (unburnt carbon particles released as a result of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons or fossil fuels), etc.

Thus, amongst the listed pollutants, 4 are gaseous pollutants (sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, VOCs and carbon monoxide) whereas 2 (dust and soot) are particulate in nature.