Air Pollution MCQ & Answer
1 ) What is the primary cause of smog?
A) Deforestation
B) Water vapor
C) Vehicle emissions
D) Noise pollution
Explanation: Smog is primarily caused by vehicle emissions, which release a large amount of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds into the air.
2) Which of the following pollutants is a primary contributor to acid rain?
A) Carbon monoxide
B) Sulfur dioxide
C) Methane
D) Ozone
Answer: B) Sulfur dioxide
Explanation: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a major contributor to acid rain. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere, they react with water vapor and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall to the earth as precipitation, known as acid rain.
3) Which air pollutant is most harmful to the human respiratory system?
A) Particulate matter (PM)
B) Carbon monoxide
C) Ozone
D) Lead
Answer: A) Particulate matter (PM)
Explanation: Particulate matter (PM), especially fine particles known as PM2.5, are extremely harmful to the human respiratory system. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health issues from minor irritations to serious conditions such as heart disease and lung cancer.
4) The term ‘PM2.5’ refers to:
A) Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less
B) Particulate matter found 2.5 meters above ground level
C) Particulate matter that is 2.5 times heavier than air
D) Particulate matter with a pH level of 2.5
Answer: A) Particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less
Explanation: PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that has a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems, as they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
5) Which of the following is an effect of ozone depletion?
A) Increased air quality
B) Decreased global temperatures
C) Increased UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface
D) Reduced acid rain
Answer: C) Increased UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface
Explanation: Ozone depletion results in less ozone in the stratosphere, which means that more ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun reaches the Earth’s surface. This can lead to increased risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and other health problems, as well as having detrimental effects on the environment and ecosystems.
READ MORE: Essay on Air Pollution
