Which factor contributes to the formation of photochemical smog?

Which factor contributes to the formation of photochemical smog?

• A. High moisture levels
• B. Sunlight and VOCs
• C. Low temperatures
• D. Heavy metal industries

Answer: (B)

Photochemical smog is primarily formed through the interaction of sunlight and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. VOCs are organic chemicals that can easily evaporate, and they are commonly released from sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the use of solvents. When sunlight shines on these VOCs in the presence of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a series of chemical reactions occur, producing secondary pollutants like ozone at ground level, which is a key component of photochemical smog. The presence of sunlight is essential, as it provides the energy needed to drive these photochemical reactions. While high moisture levels, low temperatures, and emissions from heavy metal industries may affect air quality in different ways, they do not directly contribute to the specific formation of photochemical smog in the same manner that sunlight and VOCs do. Understanding the role of these two factors is crucial for grasping how urban air pollution, particularly in sunny regions, leads to the development of smog.

Photochemical smog is primarily formed through the interaction of sunlight and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere. VOCs are organic chemicals that can easily evaporate, and they are commonly released from sources such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and the use of solvents.

When sunlight shines on these VOCs in the presence of nitrogen oxides (NOx), a series of chemical reactions occur, producing secondary pollutants like ozone at ground level, which is a key component of photochemical smog. The presence of sunlight is essential, as it provides the energy needed to drive these photochemical reactions.

While high moisture levels, low temperatures, and emissions from heavy metal industries may affect air quality in different ways, they do not directly contribute to the specific formation of photochemical smog in the same manner that sunlight and VOCs do. Understanding the role of these two factors is crucial for grasping how urban air pollution, particularly in sunny regions, leads to the development of smog.