Which air pollutant is primarily produced from the combustion of coal and oil in industrial processes?

The correct choice, sulfur dioxide, is primarily produced from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal and oil during industrial processes. When these fuels are burned, the sulfur contained within them reacts with oxygen to form sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas that can have significant impacts on air quality and human health. Sulfur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain, which can harm the environment by damaging ecosystems, forests, and bodies of water.

In contrast, while nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide are also pollutants from combustion processes, their primary sources and mechanisms differ. Nitrogen dioxide is largely produced from vehicle emissions and burning fossil fuels at high temperatures. Carbon monoxide, a gas formed from incomplete combustion, tends to be more associated with motor vehicle exhaust rather than industrial processes specifically focused on coal or oil combustion. Particulate matter can indeed result from the combustion of coal and oil, but it is distinct from the gaseous pollutants discussed and includes tiny solid or liquid particles, not a direct product of sulfur compounds.

Overall, sulfur dioxide is uniquely associated with the specific industrial burning of coal and oil, making it the most relevant answer to the question.