Question

The acid that is believed to be mainly responsible for the damage of Taj Mahal is

• A. sulfuric acid
• B. hydrofluoric acid
• C. phosphoric acid
• D. hydrochloric acid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is suffering damage primarily due to pollution from industrial and vehicular emissions in the surrounding areas. The key pollutant responsible for the deterioration of the Taj Mahal is sulfuric acid. Let's explore why this is the case and rule out other options:

1. Sulfuric Acid:
   • Industrial activities, particularly those involving the burning of fossil fuels, release sulfur dioxide (\text{SO}_2) into the atmosphere.
   • Sulfur dioxide reacts with water vapor in the air, forming sulfuric acid (\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4).
   • This acid is deposited through precipitation in the form of acid rain, which corrodes the marble of the Taj Mahal.
2. Hydrofluoric Acid, Phosphoric Acid, and Hydrochloric Acid:
   • While these acids can be corrosive, they are not typically emitted in significant quantities from industrial processes affecting the Taj Mahal.
   • These acids are also less common in atmospheric chemistry than sulfuric acid in the context of acid rain.

Thus, the primary acid causing the degradation of the Taj Mahal is indeed sulfuric acid, as it contributes significantly to acid rain, affecting marble structures over time. This effect has been a serious concern for the monument's preservation.