Acid Rain: Causes and Effects

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Questions and Answers

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?

<p>H2SO4 and HNO3 are the major contributors to acid rain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the pH of rainwater change when additional acidic species are present?

<p>The pH of rainwater becomes lower than 5.7 when additional acidic species are present.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH of 'clean' or unpolluted rainwater?

<p>Unpolluted rainwater has an acidic pH, but usually no lower than 5.7.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the natural sources of acid rain?

<p>Forest fires, volcanic eruptions</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the man-made sources of acid rain?

<p>Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released from fossil fuel burning in power plants, vehicles, and heavy equipment</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is wet deposition in relation to acid rain?

<p>Acidic rain, fog, and snow</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is sulfuric acid formed in the atmosphere?

<p>Sulfur dioxide from the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels is oxidized to form sulfur trioxide, which reacts with water to form sulfuric acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during dry deposition of acid rain?

<p>Acidic particles and gases deposit from the atmosphere in the absence of moisture</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can winds contribute to the spread of acid rain over long distances?

<p>Winds can blow sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) across borders to areas where the weather is wet, leading to acid deposition</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of NH3 in acid rain?

<p>Ammonia dissolved in rainwater scavenges H+ to lower the acidity in rain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the ratio of dry to wet deposition vary in desert areas compared to areas with high rainfall?

<p>In desert areas, the ratio of dry to wet deposition is higher, while in areas with high rainfall, wet deposition dominates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What harmful effects can acid rain have on aquatic ecosystems?

<p>Acid rain can lead to the acidification of surface water, causing damage to aquatic plants, fish, and microorganisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the input of NH3 affect the acidity of rain in Rural New York compared to Southwest Minnesota?

<p>The larger input of NH3 in Southwest Minnesota results in lower rain acidity compared to Rural New York.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when accumulated acids are washed off a surface by rainwater?

<p>The acidic water flows over and through the ground, potentially harming plants, insects, and fish.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do acidic particles and gases deposited on surfaces affect human health?

<p>They can react to form larger harmful particles, posing a risk to human health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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