AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.

Detailed explanation-2: -Acid rain is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, where they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to become sulfuric and nitric acid respectively. The pH of acid-impacted rain is generally below 4.5 on the pH scale.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main source of SO2 and NOx causing acid rain comes from burning of fossil fuels for energy generation: Two thirds of SO2 and one fourth of NOx in the atmosphere can be traced to electric power generators. In addition, exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses also release NOx and SO2 into the air and cause acid rain.

Detailed explanation-4: -What is the primary source of acid rain? The power plants primarily cause acid rain. It releases most of the sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide while burning fossil fuels. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide combine with water molecules to form sulphuric and nitric acid causing acid rain.

Detailed explanation-5: -Acid rain results when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX) are emitted into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents. The SO2 and NOX react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These then mix with water and other materials before falling to the ground.