Question

Which one is not a pollutant normally?
A) Hydrocarbons
B) Carbon dioxide
C) Carbon monoxide
D) Sulphur dioxide

Answer 1

Hint: When we talk about pollution on earth, we refer to the contamination that is happening of the natural resources by various pollutants. Those pollutants are released to the environment directly or indirectly from industries, factories etc.

Complete Answer:
Pollutants are substances or materials which impact the environment and its creatures thereby hampering the quality of life. There are various types of pollutants present in the environment which have negative effects on the environment.

A) Hydrocarbons: The compound which is made of hydrogen and carbon is known as a hydrocarbon. When one burns fossil fuels, smog gets formed as well as a thick layer containing particulate matter which encloses large zones in it. Furthermore, air pollution also contributes majorly to the respiratory problems which are lung cancer, bronchitis, asthma, and other lung diseases.

B) Carbon dioxide normally is a greenhouse gas that helps in the maintenance of the temperature of the earth’s surface. It is also used as an ingredient of photosynthesis by plants. However, the anthropogenic release of carbon dioxide disrupts the equilibrium such that it starts contributing to global warming. Hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide are pollutants that are released due to the burning of fossil fuels. Hence, the correct answer is 'Carbon dioxide'.

C) Carbon monoxide is an air pollutant. It is found in cigarette smoke and emissions from motor vehicles, industrial processes, and poorly ventilated combustion sources.

D) $SO_2$ reacts with $O_2$ and $H_{2}O$ (water vapor) present in the air forming sulphuric acid ($H_{2}SO_4$) causing acid rain. Thus it is considered an air pollutant.

Note: Sulphur dioxide is the most harmful pollutant. It is responsible for acid rain. Sulphur dioxide produces smog. It causes damage to the membrane, destruction of chlorophyll, metals corrosion, impairs sensitive pieces of equipment, damages buildings, marble, paper, and textiles.