Verifying accurate facts and comments on SO₂ and H₂SO₄

Steps:

• Recall key steps in sulfuric acid production via Contact process, including oxidation reaction and catalyst.
• Check catalyst identity and role in lowering activation energy.
• Review industrial uses of H₂SO₄, like in batteries.
• Assess environmental benefits of reducing sulfur emissions and classify SO₂ chemically.

Why D is correct:

• SO₂ is the oxide of sulfur (a non-metal), and low-sulfur petrol limits its formation during combustion, reducing acidic pollution like acid rain.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: The reaction 2SO₂ + O₂ → 2SO₃ requires V₂O₅ catalyst in sulfuric acid manufacture; the fact omits this, making the comment misleading.
• B: The Contact process catalyst is vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅), not nickel.
• C: H₂SO₄ acts as the electrolyte in lead-acid car batteries but does not "increase efficiency"; it facilitates charge-discharge.

Final answer: D