Who was the first scientist to use the term SMOG and define its layers?

Question

Who was the first scientist to use the term SMOG and define its layers?

1. A. Nikola Tesla
2. B. Stephen Hawking
3. C. Nicolaus Copernicus
4. D. Dr. Henry Antoine (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — Dr. Henry Antoine

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Dr. Henry Antoine.

Key Points

• Dr. Henry Antoine Des Voeux first used the term "SMOG" (a portmanteau of smoke and fog) in 1905 at a conference in Britain, and defined its characteristics.

Additional Information

• Des Voeux coined *smog* — smoke plus fog — in 1905, describing London's coal-smoke pollution.
• There are two kinds: classical (London) smog, which is sulphurous, forms in cold damp weather and is *reducing*; and photochemical (Los Angeles) smog, which forms in warm sunlight from vehicle exhaust and is *oxidising*.
• Photochemical smog is produced when nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react in sunlight, generating ozone and PAN (peroxyacetyl nitrate) at ground level.
• The Great Smog of London, 1952 killed thousands and led directly to Britain's Clean Air Act of 1956.