Chapter 3: Problem 13

What is the difference between industrial smog and photochemical smog?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Industrial smog, mostly grey, is caused by the burning of large amounts of coal and oil in industries, rich in sulfur oxides and particulates. Photochemical smog, usually brown, is produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react to sunlight, forming a brown haze above cities.

Step by step solution

Definition and Characteristics of Industrial Smog

Firstly, industrial smog also known as 'Gray smog', occurs in areas with high concentrations of industrial emissions and burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil. It's characterized by high levels of sulfur oxides, particulates, and other pollutants.

Definition and Characteristics of Photochemical Smog

Secondly, photochemical smog also known as 'Brown smog', occurs in areas that have sunny, warm, dry climates with large numbers of motor vehicles. It is a mixture of pollutants that are formed when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react to sunlight, creating a brown haze above cities.

Highlighting the Differences

The main differences lie in their formation and appearance. Industrial smog is directly linked to the burning of large amounts of coal and oil in industries and is typically gray. On the other hand, photochemical smog is related to vehicular and industrial emissions under the influence of sunlight and heat, and it is typically brown.

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What is the difference between industrial smog and photochemical smog?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Definition and Characteristics of Industrial Smog

Definition and Characteristics of Photochemical Smog

Highlighting the Differences

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