Final answer:
The gaseous pollutant specifically released by coal-burning power plants and oil refineries that contributes to acid rain is sulfur dioxide (SO₂).
Step-by-step explanation:
The gaseous pollutants released by coal-burning power plants and oil refineries include various harmful substances; among them are sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). Specifically, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are major contributors to acid rain, while carbon dioxide is a significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Carbon monoxide is produced from incomplete combustion of coal and is a toxic gas that poses serious health risks.
Among the options provided:
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas resulting from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a major greenhouse gas emitted during the complete combustion of coal.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a reddish-brown toxic gas and a prominent air pollutant produced by high-temperature combustion processes.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is a highly reactive gas released in significant amounts from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and other industrial facilities.
Consequently, the correct answer is d. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂), as it is specifically singled out as a significant emission from the combustion of fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities, contributing to pollution like acid rain.