Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Industrial exhausts such as those of thermal power plants carry particulate matter that must be removed.
Step 2: How the device works
An electrostatic precipitator gives dust particles a negative charge using high voltage electrode wires. The charged particles are attracted to grounded collecting plates and removed.
Step 3: Efficiency
It removes over 99 percent of particulate matter. Scrubbers mainly remove gases like \(\text{SO}_2\), and catalytic converters treat vehicle exhaust gases.
Step 4: Conclusion
The electrostatic precipitator is most widely used for particulate matter.
Final Answer:
The electrostatic precipitator is the most widely used device for removing particulate matter.
\[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{Electrostatic precipitator}} \]