Coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage has caused the GREATEST increase in which of these?
Responses
A air pollution
B suburban sprawl
C soil depletion
D nuclear waste
E water pollution
A. Air pollution
The correct answer is A) air pollution. Coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage both release pollutants into the air, leading to an increase in air pollution. To arrive at this answer, one must understand the causes of air pollution and how coal-burning factories and automobile usage contribute to it.
Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the Earth's atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal in factories and gasoline in automobiles, is a major source of air pollution. Coal-burning factories release pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can contribute to smog and respiratory issues. Increased automobile usage leads to the emission of pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.
To determine the greatest increase caused by coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage, one must compare the impacts of these activities on different aspects of the environment. Among the given options, air pollution is the most directly linked to these two activities.
Suburban sprawl refers to the spread of urban areas into previously undeveloped land, resulting in increased demands for resources, infrastructure, and transportation. While it can contribute to environmental degradation, it is not primarily caused by coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage.
Soil depletion is the loss or degradation of soil quality, often due to intensive agriculture practices. Although industrial activities can play a role in soil degradation, coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage are not the primary causes of soil depletion.
Nuclear waste refers to the hazardous materials generated as byproducts of nuclear power generation. Although it is a significant environmental concern, it is not directly caused by coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage.
Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, by harmful substances. While industrial activities and automobile usage can contribute to water pollution indirectly through runoff and waste disposal, they are not the primary causes of water pollution.
Therefore, after considering the impact of coal-burning factories and increased automobile usage on the environment, the greatest increase is observed in air pollution.