Environmental Science Multiple Choice Questions on “Particulates”.
1. What is the size range of respirable suspended particulate matter?
a) Less than 1 micrometre
b) Less than 10 micrometre
c) Less than 100 micrometre
d) Less than 0.1 micrometre
Answer: b
Clarification: Particulate matter of size less than 10 micrometre, fall under the category of suspended particulate matter.
2. Air-borne particulates are classified as group 1 carcinogens.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: Air borne particulate matter is classified as group 1 carcinogen by WHO and IARC.
3. Which of the following is a viable particulate?
a) Smoke
b) Mist
c) Dust
d) Moulds
Answer: d
Clarification: Viable particulate matter consists of miniscule living organisms that float in the atmosphere.
4. Which type of particulate is condensed form of vapours?
a) Mist
b) Dust
c) Fumes
d) Smoke
Answer: c
Clarification: Fumes are condensed vapours, especially metallic vapour and is regarded as a type of particulate matter.
5. What is the composition of photochemical smog?
a) Nitrogen oxides, ketones and ozone
b) VOCs and hydrocarbons
c) Peroxy-acetyl-nitrate, peroxy-benzoyl-nitrate, peroxy fornyl-nitrate
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Clarification: The photochemical smog constitutes of oxides of nitrogen, aldehydes, ketones, ground level ozone as well as PAN, PBN, PFN which are the free radicals formed due to reaction of ketones, nitrogen oxides and oxygen in the presence of sunlight.
6. Which of the following constituent of photochemical smog causes the bronzing of plants?
a) PBN
b) PAN
c) PFN
d) Ketones
Answer: b
Clarification: Peroxy-acetyl-nitrate is known to have sever effects on plants and causes it’s surface to bronze and glaze.
7. What is the reason behind the yellow colour of smog?
a) Nitrogen dioxide
b) Sulphur dioxide
c) Sulphate ions
d) Nitrate ions
Answer: c
Clarification: Sulphate ions formed by the conversion of sulphur dioxide due to high humidity and low temperature, is responsible for the yellow colour of smog.
8. Which of the following aerosols have the best absorbing properties?
a) Carbon black
b) Soot
c) Elemental Carbon
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Clarification: Elemental carbon (also called soot/ carbon black/ black carbon) is a type of aerosol with the best absorbing property and used to absorb poisonous gases.
9. What is the size range of atmospheric particulate matter?
a) 0.1 – 10 microns
b) 0.1 – 1 micron
c) 1 – 10 microns
d) 10 – 100 microns
Answer: a
Clarification: Atmospheric particulate matter comprises of particles of sizes in the range of 0.1 – 10 micrometres.
10. In rural areas, what has contributed significantly to particulate pollution?
a) Incomplete combustion in vehicles
b) Using wood for fire and cooking
c) Fertilisers
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: b
Clarification: In rural areas, due to usage of wood for fire and cooking leading to the emission of soot and other organic gases has significantly contributed to particulate pollution.