Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Sulphur dioxide is the main pollutant emitted from the exhaust of petrol driven automobiles.
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Automotive emissions and atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) have well-documented sources and controls. This question checks familiarity with what three-way catalytic converters target, CO health effects, typical petrol exhaust composition, and natural background sources of CO.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Among the options, the incorrect claim is that SO₂ is the main pollutant in petrol exhaust. The dominant pollutants are CO, unburned hydrocarbons, and NOx; SO₂ is typically minor due to low sulphur levels in gasoline. The other statements are correct: catalytic converters reduce CO; CO can cause fatal asphyxiation; and biogenic/photochemical processes (including oxidation of organics) contribute to background CO.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Emission standards and inventories consistently list CO and HC as the primary gasoline-exhaust concerns; SO₂ emissions primarily track fuel sulphur content and are far lower for petrol than for high-sulphur fuels.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming SO₂ is major across all fuels; it depends strongly on sulphur content, which is tightly limited in gasoline.
Final Answer:
Sulphur dioxide is the main pollutant emitted from the exhaust of petrol driven automobiles.
Discussion & Comments