Nitrogen Oxides in Air Pollution

Steps:

• Recall that NO forms from high-temperature combustion and acts as a pollutant precursor.
• Examine NO's reaction with O2 to produce NO2, a key acid rain contributor.
• Assess statement B for accuracy in acid formation processes.
• Evaluate statement C for photochemical reactions and note D's incompleteness.

Why A is correct:

• NO + 1/2 O2 → NO2; NO2 dissolves in water to form nitric acid (HNO3), contributing to acid rain as per atmospheric chemistry definitions.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: NO2 does not react with SO2 to form H2SO4; sulfuric acid forms from SO2 oxidation by O2 or ozone, not NO2.
• C: NOx react with hydrocarbons in sunlight to form ozone and smog, but the statement inaccurately implies "other pollutants" without specifying photochemical products.
• D: Not enough information; option is blank.

Final answer: A