what is the PH of rain ??
Answers
Explanation:
The scale ranges from zero to 14 with pure water at a neutral 7.0 most water however is not exactly pure. even clean normal rain has a Ph .of about 5.6 this is because it react with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and forms mildly acid carbonic acid before it becomes rain
Answer:
Rain water is naturally slightly acidic, witha pH of about 5.0. Natural variations and human pollutants may cause rain to be more acidic. Depending on region, season and presence of pollutants, the pH of rain may drop to as low as 2.0 (the acidity of vinegar).
Carbonic Acid
The acidity of "normal" rain is attributed to carbonic acid, a natural compound that forms during the water cycle.
Natural Variations
Even in areas that are minimally affected by human pollution, the pH of rain can range from 4.5-5.0. Volcanic areas, including Hawaii, may experience more acidic rain because of the sulfur-based compounds that are released into the atmosphere by volcanic activity.
Sulfur Pollutants
In non-volcanic areas, acid precipitation is generally caused by human pollution. Coal power plants release compounds that form sulfuric acid, causing rain to become as acidic as lemon juice in some areas.
Effects
Acid rain is associated with river die-off, erosion, loss of vegetation and human health problems.