AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Sulfur dioxide, SO2, is a colorless gas or liquid with a strong, choking odor. It is produced from the burning of fossil fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting of mineral ores (aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, and iron) that contain sulfur. Sulfur dioxide dissolves easily in water to form sulfuric acid.

Detailed explanation-2: -High concentrations of sulfur dioxide can affect breathing, cause respiratory illnesses, and aggravate existing heart and lung diseases. Exposure at very low concentrations can irritate the lungs and throat and cause bronchitis.

Detailed explanation-3: -When coal and oil burn, the sulfur in them combines with oxygen in the air to make sulfur oxides. Processing mineral ores that contain sulfur and industrial burning of fossil fuels are also sources of sulfur oxides in the atmosphere.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Production of Sulfur Dioxide, Sulfur Trioxide and Acid Rain. Burning coal (or any fossil fuel) is essentially extracting the energy stored in the coal by oxidation. It turns out that the sulfur is also oxidized in burning coal, forming sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Detailed explanation-5: -When coal is burned, the sulfur present in coal is converted to sulfur dioxide, which is responsible for the acid rain phenomenon.