Question

what is acid rain? What are it's causes?
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Answer 1

What is Acid rain?

When the pH value of rainwater lowers (<7), it is called acid rain.

How is it caused?

It is caused when non-metals (like sulphur and nitrogen) are burnt in air, producing non-metallic oxides that are acidic in nature.

When these gases combine with water in the atmosphere (in form of water vapours and clouds), acids are formed and when these clouds become heavy and precipitation occurs, acid rain occurs.

For example,

S + O₂ ------> SO₂ - burning of sulphur in air

SO₂ + H₂O -----------> H₂SO₃ - formation of sulphurous acid

More to Know:

What are its effects?

• Makes life difficult for aquatic life.
• Corrodes buildings.
• Causes burning sensation on skin.
• MAkes rainwater unfit for usage.

What is the pH scale?

The pH scale tells us if an object is acidic or basic and how strong is it. Lower pH values mean that the substance is acidic.

Answer 2

$\huge\underline\red{\sf Explanation :-}$

★ What is Acid Rain ★

→It is rain with high levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It may be defined as "rain water having pH less than 5.6".

★Cause★

• Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide(SO²) and nitrogen oxide(NOx), which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.

★ Harmful Effects ★

• Acid Rain can lead to corrosion of steel structures such as bridges, and weathering of stone buildings and statues as well as having impacts on human health.

★pH of Acid rain ★

• This rain is much more acidic therefore it has a pH value of 4.0.

★ How can we control Acid Rain? ★

• Reduce the amount of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen released into the atmosphere

• Use cleaner fuels

• Use other sources of electricity (such as nuclear power, hydro-electricity, wind energy, geothermal energy, and solar energy)

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