What is the source of energy that drives the reactions that produce smog?

Question

What is the source of energy that drives the reactions that produce smog?

Answer 1

Kusheng had most of it.  I might just add that a lack of movement of the air contributes to the accumulation of smog.  Dust is also a large contributor.  As the pavement heats up in the sun it starts a convection cycle that can cause a "dust plume".  This can even happen during a thermal inversion (when warm air traps the cooler air beneath it).

Answer 2

Smog, or ground-level ozone, is produced by volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) reacting in the presence of sunlight.  

VOC emissions come from paints, gas vapor from gas stations, etc.  NOx emissions come from high temperature combustion, like: power boilers, car engines, cement kilns, etc.

Answer 3

Photochemical smog is produced by the action of sunlight on various chemicals in the air.

Answer 4

Combustion=oxygen+fuel+spark

Answer 5

Airplanes and international airports are high on the list!

Hoser & Kusheng have defined the reaction nicely, but you have asked for the source here, so I ask you to compair the cities with an international airport to those that do not have one, along side the amount of cars Etc. and you will discover what I have said is also true. The Jet engine is the greatest producer of the reactions as laid down by Kusheng. He failed to mention that there are 2 major types of Nitrogen Oxides produced (Simply said NOx where x= a number), and the four other POISONS that are always assosciated with smog, passing them off as volatile organic compounds.

I do have a problem with calling Smog "ground-level ozone" as Nitrogen Oxides actually combines with ozone (O2) thereby depleating it.

Hose rcould have added the current arcutecture of Buildings is a major source of trapping heat as well, esp. the roofs that are most often sealed with black tar forcing a requirment of more A/C units.