Question
The formation of photochemical smog is a result of a series of reactions between chemicals in the atmosphere and light. The oxidation of nitric oxide is shown above. What is the most likely catalyst (depicted by the squiggly arrow) in this reaction?
Responses
A sunlightsunlight
B water vaporwater vapor
C free radicalsfree radicals
D atmospheric enzyme
Responses
A sunlightsunlight
B water vaporwater vapor
C free radicalsfree radicals
D atmospheric enzyme
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most likely catalyst in the oxidation of nitric oxide in the formation of photochemical smog is **C. free radicals**.
In photochemical reactions, particularly those involving the formation of smog, free radicals (such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxy radicals) play a significant role in facilitating the oxidation of various pollutants, including nitric oxide. Sunlight provides the energy needed for these reactions but is not a catalyst in the traditional sense.
Therefore, the best response is **C. free radicals**.
In photochemical reactions, particularly those involving the formation of smog, free radicals (such as hydroxyl radicals and peroxy radicals) play a significant role in facilitating the oxidation of various pollutants, including nitric oxide. Sunlight provides the energy needed for these reactions but is not a catalyst in the traditional sense.
Therefore, the best response is **C. free radicals**.