GEOLOGY

EARTH SCIENCE

CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
The sulfur and nitrogen compounds in smog combine with water to ____
A
mist.
B
acid rain.
C
fossil fuels.
D
gasoline
Explanation: 

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: -Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the two main pollutants that form acid rain. SO2 reacts with water in the air to form sulphurous acid (H2SO3), and then with oxygen to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4). NOx reacts with water to form nitric acid (HNO3).

Detailed explanation-4: -When sulfur dioxide combines with water and air, it forms sulfuric acid, which is the main component of acid rain. Acid rain can: cause deforestation. acidify waterways to the detriment of aquatic life.

Detailed explanation-5: -Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur form acids when they react with water vapour present in the atmosphere. Nitrogen dioxide forms nitric acid whereas sulphur dioxide forms sulphuric acid on reaction with water vapour. Their presence in rain turns it acidic and this is known as the ‘acid rain’.

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