Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following? 1. Brakes of motor vehicles 2. Engines of motor vehicles 3. Microwave stoves within homes 4. Power plants 5. Telephone lines Select the correct answer using the code given below

QUESTION

Hard

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2021

Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems, are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?

Brakes of motor vehicles
Engines of motor vehicles
Microwave stoves within homes
Power plants
Telephone lines

Select the correct answer using the code given below

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: The friction and mechanical wear between brake pads and discs in motor vehicles generate iron-rich particulate matter, which can oxidize to form magnetite nanoparticles.

Statement 2 is Correct: High-temperature combustion within vehicle engines produces magnetite as a byproduct of fuel burning and engine component wear, which is then released as an environmental pollutant.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: Microwave stoves use electromagnetic radiation to heat food; they do not involve combustion or mechanical abrasion that would release magnetite particles into the environment.

Statement 4 is Correct: Power plants, especially coal-fired ones, are significant sources of magnetite. The high-temperature combustion of fossil fuels produces fly ash that contains magnetic iron oxides.

Statement 5 is Incorrect: Telephone lines carry electrical or optical signals and generate electromagnetic fields, but they do not undergo processes that emit physical magnetite particles.

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