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.
$2S{O}_2(g)+O_2(g)\to 2S{O}_3(g)$
The reaction can also be promoted by ozone and hydrogen peroxide.
$S{O}_2(g)+O_3(g)\to S{O}_3(g)+O_2(g)$
$S{O}_2(g)+H_2{O}_2(l)\to H_{2}S{O}_4(aq)$