Chemistry Open Book 2003
Describe, in terms of production of photochemical smog, what is meant by primary pollutants and secondary pollutants in the atmosphere, and list the main primary and secondary pollutants produced as a result of motor vehicles
The combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles releases incompletely burnt chemicals and oxidised species known as primary pollutants into the atmosphere. The dangers they pose range from eye irritation to global warming. Many of the primary pollutants undergo further reaction under the influence of sunlight. The produces of these photochemical reactions are called secondary pollutants.