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The primary air pollutant, which is formed due to incomplete combustion of organic matter, is
  • a)
    methane
  • b)
    sulphur dioxide
  • c)
    both (a) and (b)
  • d)
    carbon monoxide
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The primary air pollutant, which is formed due to incomplete combustio...
The primary air pollutant that is formed due to incomplete combustion of organic matter is carbon monoxide (CO). When organic matter such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) or biomass (wood, crops, and agricultural waste) is burned in an environment with insufficient oxygen supply, incomplete combustion occurs, leading to the formation of carbon monoxide.

Incomplete combustion happens when there is not enough oxygen available to fully react with the carbon in the fuel. Instead of producing carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the desired end product of complete combustion, carbon monoxide is formed. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is highly toxic to humans and animals.

**Formation of Carbon Monoxide:**
During the process of incomplete combustion, the carbon in the organic matter combines with only one oxygen atom instead of two, forming carbon monoxide. The chemical equation for this reaction can be represented as:

C + O2 -> CO

In this equation, C represents carbon, O2 represents oxygen, and CO represents carbon monoxide.

**Sources of Incomplete Combustion:**
Incomplete combustion can occur in various sources, including:
1. Vehicles: Inadequate air supply in the engine can lead to incomplete combustion in vehicles, especially those with older or poorly maintained engines.
2. Industrial Processes: Certain industrial processes that involve the burning of fossil fuels or biomass may produce carbon monoxide if there is insufficient oxygen supply.
3. Residential Heating: Incomplete combustion can occur in households that use wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, or other heating appliances that do not provide enough oxygen for complete combustion.
4. Wildfires: During wildfires, the burning of vegetation can result in incomplete combustion and the release of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.

**Health and Environmental Impacts:**
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can have severe health effects on humans and animals. When inhaled, it binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing its ability to transport oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and in severe cases, it can be fatal.

In addition to its health impacts, carbon monoxide is also an air pollutant that contributes to the formation of smog and can contribute to the greenhouse effect and climate change. It reacts with other pollutants in the atmosphere to form ground-level ozone, which is harmful to human health and the environment.

**Conclusion:**
The primary air pollutant formed due to incomplete combustion of organic matter is carbon monoxide. It is important to ensure proper combustion conditions and adequate oxygen supply to minimize the production of carbon monoxide and reduce its harmful impacts on human health and the environment.
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