Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), an eye irritant is produced by:
- (A)classical smog
- (B)acid rain
- (C)organic waste
- (D)photochemical smog✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
Peroxyacetyl nitrate is a secondary pollutant: it builds up when sunlight drives reactions among nitrogen oxides and unburnt hydrocarbons in traffic-laden air. That sunlight-driven chemistry is the signature of photochemical smog, whereas classical smog is a cold, damp mix of smoke and sulphur dioxide that contains no PAN. The eye-irritating PAN belongs to photochemical smog.
JEE Main · 2019 · 11 Jan 2019 · Shift 1 · Single correct option