Question

Taj Mahal at Agra may be damaged by

• A. Sulphur dioxide
• B. Chlorine
• C. Hydrogen

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Sulphur dioxide

Explanation for the correct option

Option(a) :Sulphur dioxide

• Sulphur dioxide reacts with water molecules and forms sulphuric acid.
• This sulphuric acid comes in contact with the marble when it rains. The rain is called acid rain.
• The marble of the Taj Mahal is composed of calcium carbonate which reacts with the acid, resulting in the change of colour of the marble of Taj Mahal from white to pale yellow.

The explanation for the incorrect options

Option(b): Chlorine

• Chlorine does not damage the Taj Mahal.
• Although frequent chlorine exposure in the air can affect the animal’s immune system, skin, heart, and respiratory system. Chlorine does no damage to the climate.
• Chlorine is particularly harmful to water- and soil-living species.

Option(c) :Hydrogen

• Hydrogen emissions contribute to increased methane and ozone pressures and, ultimately, to a rise in global warming.
• However, it does not damage the Taj Mahal.

Hence, Sulphur dioxide is the chemical formed in the atmosphere which can damage the Taj Mahal at Agra.