Burning of coal and diesel releases which of the following gas into the atmosphere?

Sulphur dioxide

The correct answer is option 2. Sulphur dioxide. 

When coal and diesel are burned for energy production, they release various pollutants into the atmosphere, and one of the significant pollutants is sulfur dioxide \((SO_2)\). Here's an explanation of the process and the environmental impact:

1. Burning of Coal:

Coal is a fossil fuel composed mainly of carbon, and it often contains sulfur compounds. When coal is burned, especially in power plants or industrial facilities without proper emission controls, the sulfur present in the coal reacts with oxygen in the air to produce sulfur dioxide \((SO_2)\).

2. Burning of Diesel:

Diesel fuel also contains sulfur compounds. Combustion of diesel in engines, whether in vehicles or industrial equipment, results in the release of sulfur dioxide as a byproduct.

3. Formation of Sulfur Dioxide:

The chemical equation for the formation of sulfur dioxide during combustion is:

\[ \text{Sulfur in fuel} + \text{Oxygen in air} \rightarrow SO_2 \]

4. Environmental Impact:

Sulfur dioxide is a major air pollutant that can have adverse effects on both the environment and human health.

In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide can undergo further reactions to form sulfuric acid \((H_2SO_4)\), contributing to acid rain. Acid rain can have detrimental effects on soil, water bodies, vegetation, and ecosystems.

Sulfur dioxide can irritate the respiratory system and pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

5. Control Measures:

To mitigate the environmental impact of sulfur dioxide emissions, various control measures are implemented. These include using cleaner-burning fuels, adopting technologies like flue gas desulfurization (FGD) in power plants to reduce sulfur emissions, and enforcing emission standards.

6. Global and Local Impact:

Sulfur dioxide emissions contribute to air pollution both globally and locally. It is a key factor in the formation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and can affect air quality in the vicinity of industrial facilities or areas with high traffic.

Efforts to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions focus on cleaner technologies, increased use of renewable energy sources, and the implementation of strict environmental regulations to limit the sulfur content in fuels.