Correct option is B
Photochemical smog forms due to a complex series of chemical reactions involving
nitrogen oxides (NOx),
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and
sunlight. These reactions produce secondary pollutants like ground-level ozone, peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), and aldehydes.
Key Steps in Formation:
1.
Emission of NOx and VOCs: From vehicles, industrial activities, and solvents.
2.
Sunlight Catalysis: Sunlight drives the photochemical reactions that convert NO2 into nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen, facilitating ozone formation.
3.
Formation of Smog: Interaction of ozone, NOx, and VOCs results in smog.
Information Booster: Photochemical smog is a significant problem in urban areas. It causes respiratory and cardiovascular problems, harms crops, and contributes to climate change. Mitigation strategies include reducing vehicular emissions, adopting cleaner industrial practices, and promoting public transportation.
Additional Knowledge:
·
Carbon dioxide (CO2): A greenhouse gas, but it does not directly participate in smog formation.
·
Methane (CH4): A potent greenhouse gas, involved in long-term atmospheric reactions but not in photochemical smog.