18 Questions
What is the pH of unpolluted rainwater?
Unpolluted rainwater has a pH usually no lower than 5.7.
What is the pH range for acidic liquids?
Liquids with a pH less than 7 are acidic.
What reaction leads to the formation of carbonic acid in rainwater?
H2O (l) + CO2 (g) ⇌ H2CO3 (aq)
What are the two major contributors to acid rain?
H2SO4 and HNO3 are the major contributors to acid rain.
How does the pH of rainwater change when additional acidic species are present?
The pH of rainwater becomes lower than 5.7 when additional acidic species are present.
What is the pH of 'clean' or unpolluted rainwater?
Unpolluted rainwater has an acidic pH, but usually no lower than 5.7.
What are the natural sources of acid rain?
Forest fires, volcanic eruptions
What are the man-made sources of acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released from fossil fuel burning in power plants, vehicles, and heavy equipment
What is wet deposition in relation to acid rain?
Acidic rain, fog, and snow
How is sulfuric acid formed in the atmosphere?
Sulfur dioxide from the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels is oxidized to form sulfur trioxide, which reacts with water to form sulfuric acid
What happens during dry deposition of acid rain?
Acidic particles and gases deposit from the atmosphere in the absence of moisture
How can winds contribute to the spread of acid rain over long distances?
Winds can blow sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) across borders to areas where the weather is wet, leading to acid deposition
What is the role of NH3 in acid rain?
Ammonia dissolved in rainwater scavenges H+ to lower the acidity in rain.
How does the ratio of dry to wet deposition vary in desert areas compared to areas with high rainfall?
In desert areas, the ratio of dry to wet deposition is higher, while in areas with high rainfall, wet deposition dominates.
What harmful effects can acid rain have on aquatic ecosystems?
Acid rain can lead to the acidification of surface water, causing damage to aquatic plants, fish, and microorganisms.
How does the input of NH3 affect the acidity of rain in Rural New York compared to Southwest Minnesota?
The larger input of NH3 in Southwest Minnesota results in lower rain acidity compared to Rural New York.
What happens when accumulated acids are washed off a surface by rainwater?
The acidic water flows over and through the ground, potentially harming plants, insects, and fish.
How do acidic particles and gases deposited on surfaces affect human health?
They can react to form larger harmful particles, posing a risk to human health.
Test your knowledge on the causes and effects of acid rain. Learn about the pH scale and how acidic components in precipitation impact the environment.
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