Question

The deposition of X and Y on ground surfaces is referred as wet and dry depositions, respectively. X and Y are :

• A. X = Ammonium salts , Y = \( \text{SO}_2 \)
• B. X = \( \text{CO}_2 \), Y = \( \text{SO}_2 \)
• C. X = \( \text{SO}_2 \), Y = Ammonium salts
• D. X = Ammonium salts , Y = \( \text{CO}_2 \)

Hint:

Remember: Wet = Precipitation involved (salts, liquid acids); Dry = Gases and dust particles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Acid deposition (acid rain) occurs in two forms: wet deposition and dry deposition. This environmental chemistry concept refers to how acidic pollutants reach the Earth's surface.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. **Wet Deposition:** This refers to acidic water (rain, snow, fog) falling to the ground. Pollutants like \( \text{SO}_2 \) and \( \text{NO}_x \) react in the atmosphere to form acids and secondary pollutants like **ammonium salts**. These are washed out of the air by precipitation.
2. **Dry Deposition:** This refers to acidic gases and particles that stick to surfaces (ground, vegetation, buildings) in the absence of precipitation. **Sulphur dioxide (\( \text{SO}_2 \))** gas and other particulate matter are major components of dry deposition.
Thus, X (wet) = Ammonium salts and Y (dry) = \( \text{SO}_2 \).
Step 3: Final Answer:
X represents Ammonium salts and Y represents \( \text{SO}_2 \).