Chapter 24, Problem 44A

Why is ’thermal pollution' a relative term?

To determine

To explain: The reason for considering the thermal pollution as a relative term.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Thermal pollution is known as the sudden increase or decrease in temperature for natural resources like river, lake. This increase in temperature can be beneficial for some creatures and can be harmful for other.

Thermal pollution is a relative term because it can vary person to person, for example: hot air is desirable in winter but not in summer. In most of the power plant, the lake water is used to cooling down the plant and after the use the release water in the lake. This warm water can be dangerous for the fishes but can be good for other creatures, this is why the thermal pollution is a relative term.

Conclusion:

Hence, the thermal pollution is a relative term because it is varies from one to another.