JEE Main · 2022 · 29 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Environmental Chemistry

The acid that is believed to be mainly responsible for the damage of Taj Mahal is

Answer: (A)

Solution

The Taj Mahal is made of marble, which is primarily calcium carbonate (

CaCO_{3}

). Air pollution, particularly from sulfur dioxide (

SO_{2}

) emissions, leads to the formation of sulfuric acid (

H_{2} SO_{4}

) in the atmosphere through acid rain.

The reaction is:

CaCO_{3} + H_{2} SO_{4} \to CaSO_{4} + H_{2} O + CO_{2}

This converts the marble to calcium sulfate (gypsum), causing yellowing and deterioration of the monument.

Answer: (A)

JEE Main · 2022 · 29 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Single correct option