Acid Rain Formation: Key Pollutant
Acid rain is caused by atmospheric pollutants that react with water and oxygen. These reactions form acidic compounds, primarily sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the earth.
Pollutant Analysis
Examining the options provided:
- Ammonia: Mainly contributes to particulate matter and can act as a neutralizing agent, not a primary cause of acid rain.
- Methane: Primarily known as a greenhouse gas and is not directly involved in acid rain formation.
- Ozone: While involved in atmospheric chemistry and smog, it's not the main precursor pollutant for acid rain.
- Sulphur dioxide (SO2): This gas, often released from burning fossil fuels (like coal and oil), is a major precursor. In the atmosphere, SO2 reacts with water and oxygen to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a key component of acid rain. The process involves oxidation and hydration reactions.
Conclusion on Acid Rain Pollutant
Based on the chemical processes involved in atmospheric pollution, Sulphur dioxide is the pollutant most significantly associated with the formation of acid rain.
Important Questions from Environmental pollution
Which one of the following is a major environmental issue in eastern Canada?
One of the main causes of air pollution in cities is emissions from vehicles like cars and trucks. Cars emit various pollutants which are bad for human health when inhaled, like
1) Nitrogen oxides (NO x)
2) Carbon monoxide (CO)
3) Carbon dioxide (CO 2)
4) Benzene
Which of the above pollutants are not tolerated by human beings even at very low levels?Which of the following substances are harmful for health if present in food items?
1) Pesticide residues
2) Lead
3) Metanil yellow
4) Mercury
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the commonly used household item(s) release Bisphenol A (BPA) which is an endocrine disruptor and bad for human health?
1. Steel utensils
2. Plastic coffee mugs
3. Aluminium utensils
4. Plastic water storage bottles
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Which one of the following is a cause of acid rains?
