Question

Match the column I with column Il and mark the choice. appropriate $$ \begin{array}{|l|l|l|l|} \hline {\text { Column I }} && {\text { Column II }} \\ \hline \text { (A) } & \text { Peroxyacetyl nitrate } & \text { (i) } & \text { Global warming } \\ \hline \text { (B) } & \begin{array}{l} \text { Polychlorinated } \\ \text { biphenyls } \end{array} & \text { (ii) } & \begin{array}{l} \text { Photochemical } \\ \text { smog } \end{array} \\ \hline \text { (C) } & \begin{array}{l} \text { Dioxides of carbon } \\ \text { and sulphur } \end{array} & \text { (iii) } & \text { Water pollutant } \\ \hline \text { (D) } & \text { IR active molecules } & \text { (iv) } & \text { Acid rain } \\ \hline \end{array} $$ (a) \((\mathrm{A}) \rightarrow\) (ii), (B) \(\rightarrow(\) iii), \(\mathrm{C} \rightarrow\) (iv), (D) \(\rightarrow\) (i) (b) (A) \(\rightarrow\) (iii), (B) \(\rightarrow\) (iv), C \(\rightarrow\) (ii), (D) \(\rightarrow\) (i) (c) (A) \(\rightarrow\) (iv), (B) \(\rightarrow\) (ii), \(\mathrm{C} \rightarrow\) (iii), (D) \(\rightarrow\) (i) (d) (A) \(\rightarrow(\mathrm{i}),(\mathrm{B}) \rightarrow\) (iii), \(\mathrm{C} \rightarrow\) (ii), (D) \(\rightarrow\) (iv)

Short answer

(c) (A) \rightarrow (ii), (B) \rightarrow (iii), (C) \rightarrow (iv), (D) \rightarrow (i)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Correct Matches for Column I

Look at each item in Column I and determine what it is associated with in Column II, based on your understanding of environmental science. Peroxyacetyl nitrate is a component of photochemical smog, not global warming, so A matches with (ii). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are pollutants found in water, so B matches with (iii). Dioxides of sulfur and carbon contribute to acid rain, so C matches with (iv). Lastly, IR active molecules like carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming, making D match with (i).

Find the Corresponding Option

Using the information from Step 1, look for the option where (A) matches with (ii), (B) with (iii), (C) with (iv), and (D) with (i). This matches with the provided option (c).

Mark the Correct Choice

After identifying the corresponding option as (c), mark this as the correct choice.

Key concepts

Environmental Pollutants

Environmental pollutants are substances that, when present in the environment beyond a certain threshold, can cause harm to ecosystems and human health. These pollutants come in many forms, including gases, solids, and liquids. They may be natural or anthropogenic, meaning they can originate from natural processes like volcanic eruptions or from human activities such as industrial processes.

One common type of environmental pollutant is polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which were used in various industrial applications. PCBs are persistent organic pollutants that can accumulate in the environment, particularly in water bodies, leading to long-term ecological damage and posing risks to aquatic life and humans who consume contaminated water or fish. Despite being banned in many countries, PCBs' resistance to breaking down means they remain a concern for environmental and human health.

Reducing environmental pollutants requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper waste management, reducing emissions from industrial processes, and using environmentally friendly materials. Through education and regulations, we can work towards a less polluted and healthier environment.

Photochemical Smog

Photochemical smog is a type of air pollution that forms when sunlight interacts with pollutants in the atmosphere. The primary components of photochemical smog are nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When these chemicals are exposed to sunlight, they undergo chemical reactions that produce secondary pollutants, including ozone (O₃) at ground level and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN).

PAN, a component of photochemical smog, is a significant irritant to the eyes and respiratory system and can damage vegetation. Major cities with heavy traffic and strong sunlight, such as Los Angeles and Mexico City, often experience high levels of photochemical smog.

To mitigate photochemical smog, it is crucial to control the sources of its precursor pollutants, meaning reducing vehicle emissions and the use of VOCs in products like paints and solvents. Promoting public transportation and cleaner energy can also help reduce the incidence of smog.

Acid Rain

Acid rain is precipitation with a lower than normal pH, making it more acidic. It occurs when emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃). When these acidic compounds fall to the ground in the form of rain, snow, fog, or dry particles, they can have harmful effects on soil, plants, water systems, and infrastructure.

The burning of fossil fuels by power plants and vehicles is the main source of the SO₂ and NOx that contribute to acid rain. This form of pollution can result in the leaching of important minerals from the soil, making it difficult for plants to absorb nutrients. Acid rain can also lead to the acidification of lakes and streams, harming aquatic life.

Combating acid rain involves reducing SO₂ and NOx emissions through cleaner energy sources and emissions controls on vehicles and industrial sources. International agreements like the Clean Air Act in the United States have been instrumental in lowering emissions and reducing the occurrence of acid rain.

Global Warming

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These gases, emitted by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, trap heat in the atmosphere and create what is known as the greenhouse effect.

IR active molecules, or infrared active molecules, are greenhouse gases that can absorb and emit infrared radiation. This property allows them to play a crucial role in regulating the planet's climate. However, with increased concentrations of these gases, more heat is retained, leading to changes in climate patterns, rising sea levels, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

To address global warming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a must. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing policies that enforce emission reductions. The Paris Agreement is a global effort to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, illustrating the international commitment to combating climate change.