Question

The pollution due to oxides of sulphur gets enhanced due to the presence of :
(a) particulate matter
(b) ozone
(c) hydrocarbons
(d) hydrogen peroxide
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. (a), (c), (d) only
• B. (a), (d) only
• C. (a), (b), (d) only
• D. (b), (c), (d) only

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The presence of particulate matter in polluted air catalyses the oxidation of sulphurdioxide to sulphur trioxide.
$2 SO _{2}( g )+ O _{2}( g ) \rightarrow 2 SO _{3}( g )$
The reaction can also be promoted by ozone and hydrogen peroxide.
$SO _{2}( g )+ O _{3}( g ) \rightarrow SO _{3}( g )+ O _{2}( g )$
$SO _{2}( g )+ H _{2} O _{2}( l ) \rightarrow H _{2} SO _{4}( aq )$