Acid Rain Causes: Key Atmospheric Gases
Acid rain results from chemical reactions in the atmosphere involving pollutants and water. These pollutants transform into acidic compounds that mix with precipitation.
The primary contributors to acid rain are specific atmospheric gases released mainly from burning fossil fuels:
- Sulphur dioxide ( $SO_2$ )
- Nitrogen oxides ( $NO_x$ )
In the atmosphere, these gases undergo reactions:
- $SO_2$ can be converted into sulfuric acid ( $H_2SO_4$ ).
- $NO_x$ can be converted into nitric acid ( $HNO_3$ ).
These strong acids then dissolve in rainwater, causing acid rain.
Therefore, Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen oxides are the principal gases responsible for acid rain.
Similar Questions
- Which of the following in polluted air causes Hay fever?
- Since 2011 the supreme court banned the manufacture, sale and use of which pesticide that causes hazardous effects to human life as well as the environment?
- Which of the following gas is not related to acid rain?
- Which of the following mainly causes the depletion of the ozone layer?
- Which of the following chemicals/gases is/are responsible for causing the greenhouse effect?
- Which of the following is NOT a greenhouse gas?
- Which of the following is the most polluted city of the world as per the Guinness World Records 2020 analysis of a World Health Organization report?
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- Read the given statements, labelled Assertion (A) and Reason (R), and select the most appropriate option with respect to them.
Statements:
'A': Carbon dioxide is not always a pollutant.
'R': Plants require carbon monoxide for growth that they get from carbon dioxide. - Which of the following production activities is the largest emitter of $CO_{2}$?
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among
Which of the following is NOT responsible for the degradation of our environment?
With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements:
1. It is a product of oil refineries.
2. Some industries use it to generate power.
3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Why is there a concern about copper smelting plants?
1. They may release lethal quantities of carbon monoxide into environment.
2. The copper slag can cause the leaching of some heavy metals into the environment.
3. They may release sulphur dioxide as a pollutant.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Magnetite particles, suspected to cause neurodegenerative problems are generated as environmental pollutants from which of the following?
1. Brakes of motor vehicles
2. Engines of motor vehicles
3. Microwave ‘Stoves within homes
4. Power plants
5. Telephone lines
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
