What are aerosols primarily composed of?

Aerosols are primarily composed of tiny solid and liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere. This understanding is crucial because it reflects the nature of aerosols as a mixture of both liquid droplets and small particles that can originate from various sources such as combustion, natural phenomena, or human activities. These particles can influence weather, climate, and air quality, making the study of aerosols significant in environmental science.

The composition of aerosols allows them to interact with light and heat in the atmosphere, which is essential for understanding their role in climate change and air pollution. Their small size enables them to remain airborne and travel long distances, impacting air quality and human health.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe aerosols. They do not consist exclusively of liquid solutions or only gases without particles, nor are they characterized by large solid particles found in specific environments. The defining aspect of aerosols is indeed the suspension of tiny particles, making the correct answer the one that highlights this characteristic.