The common components of photo chemical smog are

Key Points

• Ozone, formaldehyde, and PAN (Peroxyacetyl nitrate) are the primary components of photochemical smog.
• Photochemical smog is a secondary pollutant formed through the interaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Ozone is a reactive oxidizing agent that contributes to respiratory issues and damages vegetation.
• Formaldehyde and PAN are toxic to humans, plants, and animals and are significant contributors to air pollution.

Additional Information

• Ozone and SO₂: Ozone is a component of photochemical smog, but SO₂ is not. SO₂ primarily contributes to acid rain, not photochemical smog.
• NO₂ and SO₂: While NO₂ is a precursor to ozone formation in photochemical smog, SO₂ does not play a role in its formation. Instead, SO₂ is linked to industrial emissions and acid rain.
• Formaldehyde and PAN: These are components of photochemical smog, but the answer is incomplete without ozone, which is a crucial component.
• Photochemical Smog: It is also known as “Los Angeles Smog” and is characterized by the presence of oxidants like ozone, formaldehyde, and PAN. It forms in regions with high sunlight and significant vehicular emissions.
• SO₂: Sulfur dioxide is a gas resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulfur. It primarily contributes to acid rain and particulate pollution, not photochemical smog.