Which statement correctly describes secondary pollutants?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement correctly describes secondary pollutants?

Secondary pollutants are created in the atmosphere when emissions released as primary pollutants undergo chemical reactions driven by sunlight and atmospheric processes. For example, NOx and volatile organic compounds from vehicles and industry can react in daylight to produce ozone and other secondary particles that are key parts of photochemical smog. This makes the statement that they form in the atmosphere from reactions of primary pollutants the best description. Emitted directly by sources refers to primary pollutants, not secondary ones. It’s not universally true that secondary pollutants are more toxic than primary pollutants—their toxicity depends on the specific compound and its concentration. And secondary pollutants do contribute to smog, so they are not absent from smog formation.

Secondary pollutants are created in the atmosphere when emissions released as primary pollutants undergo chemical reactions driven by sunlight and atmospheric processes. For example, NOx and volatile organic compounds from vehicles and industry can react in daylight to produce ozone and other secondary particles that are key parts of photochemical smog. This makes the statement that they form in the atmosphere from reactions of primary pollutants the best description. Emitted directly by sources refers to primary pollutants, not secondary ones. It’s not universally true that secondary pollutants are more toxic than primary pollutants—their toxicity depends on the specific compound and its concentration. And secondary pollutants do contribute to smog, so they are not absent from smog formation.

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