Final answer:
Burning coal for electricity generates sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, particulates, and thermal pollution. It does not directly create water pollution from the combustion process, but coal ash and mining can contaminate water. Hence, all options listed contribute to pollution in some form, making 'None of these answers is correct' the right choice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Environmental Impact of Burning Coal
Burning coal to generate electricity can cause various environmental and health problems. One of the emissions generated by coal burning is sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which contributes to acid rain. Additionally, burning coal releases nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are associated with smog, and mercury, a toxic metal that can lead to serious health issues. Another byproduct is particulates, tiny particles that can cause respiratory conditions such as coal workers' pneumoconiosis or black lung disease.
Additionally, there are other impacts such as thermal pollution. The process of burning coal generates heat, some of which is used to produce electricity, but a significant amount is also lost to the surroundings. This waste heat can contribute to thermal pollution when it raises the temperature of water bodies that are used as cooling agents for power plants, affecting aquatic life.
Considering the byproducts produced when coal is burnt, the one thing that the process does not create is water pollution from the combustion process itself. However, water pollution still occurs through the contamination from ash disposal and coal mining. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: None of these answers is correct.