Question

Burning of fossil fuels is the main cause of
A.Nitrogen oxide pollution
B.Nitrous oxide pollution
C.Sulphur dioxide pollution
D.Nitric oxide pollution
E.Both A and D

Answer 1

Hint: A fossil fuel is formed by the decomposition of the dead material of organisms which releases energy on combustion. Burning of fossil fuels can release harmful gases in the environment and can be harmful for the environment.

Complete answer:
Examples of fossil fuels include oil, coal and natural gases. These are formed over millions of years on degradation of dead matter. When these are burnt harmful gaseous oxides are released into the environment and can lead to air pollution which have harmful causes for other factors of life and organisms. Let us analyze the options to find out the correct option.

The major harmful gas which is released upon burning of fossil fuel is nitrogen oxide. Release of nitrogen oxide contributes in the formation of smog and acid rain. Additionally when fuels are burnt at high temperature, a highly reactive gas called nitric oxide is also released in the environment. Various automobiles release these gases leading to air pollution. Though burning of natural gases releases less amount of such gases than burning of oil and coal, gases like sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and mercury compounds are released by burning of all kinds of fossil fuels. Carbon monoxide is also released when fossil fuels burn while using car engines.

Option A, B, C & D: Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option E: Since, nitrogen oxide pollution and nitric oxide pollution is common on burning of fossil fuels.

Hence, the correct answer is option (E)

Note: Airborne nitrogen pollution not only affects the quality of the air but also has harmful effects on the land and water of the environment. It leads to harmful algal blooms and oxygen deprived aquatic zones.