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Questions and Answers
What is acid rain also known as?
What is acid rain also known as?
What is the primary source of emissions of nitrogen and sulfur particles into the atmosphere?
What is the primary source of emissions of nitrogen and sulfur particles into the atmosphere?
What is the pH range of clean rainwater?
What is the pH range of clean rainwater?
What is an effect of acid rain on the environment?
What is an effect of acid rain on the environment?
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What is wet deposition?
What is wet deposition?
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What is one of the effects of acid rain on plants?
What is one of the effects of acid rain on plants?
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What is a direct effect of acid rain on human health?
What is a direct effect of acid rain on human health?
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What can dissolve into water systems as a result of acid rain?
What can dissolve into water systems as a result of acid rain?
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What can acid rain corrode and damage?
What can acid rain corrode and damage?
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What can help prevent acid rain?
What can help prevent acid rain?
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Study Notes
What is Acid Rain?
- Acid rain, also known as acid deposition, refers to any type of precipitation with high amounts of sulfuric, carbonic, and nitric acids.
- Acid rain can occur in various forms, including liquid, snow, dry materials, and micro particles.
Formation of Acid Rain
- Acid rain forms through a complex chemical process involving the reaction between water and compounds like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
- Emissions of nitrogen and sulfur particles into the atmosphere can occur naturally, but most are man-made, resulting from the burning of fossil fuels and other substances in power plants.
- These compounds dissolve in rainwater, forming sulfuric acid and other acidic solutions.
pH of Acid Rain
- Clean rainwater has a pH value between 5.0 and 5.5, making it slightly acidic.
- Acid rain has a pH value between 4.0 and 4.4, making it more acidic.
Forms of Acid Rain Deposition
- Wet deposition: Acidic precipitation falls to the ground in the form of snow, rain, sleet, or other forms of precipitation.
- Dry deposition: Acidic particles settle on surfaces, causing corrosion, without requiring precipitation.
Effects of Acid Rain
- Acid rain can affect the ecosystem, animals, plants, and other components in the environment, causing short-term or long-term effects.
- Effects on the environment:
- Pollutes water systems, making them toxic to aquatic animals.
- Affects plant growth and forest cover.
- Effects on plants:
- Damages plant leaves and roots, altering biological processes.
- Causes minerals and nutrients to leach faster through the soil, preventing plant growth.
- Causes aluminum toxicity, leading to stunted growth and other complications.
- Effects on humans:
- No direct effect, but indirect effects on the environment can affect human health.
- Can cause metals to dissolve into water systems, making them toxic.
- Can corrode and damage architectural structures, leading to costly repairs.
- Can cause respiratory problems like pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis.
Prevention of Acid Rain
- Reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other pollutants can prevent acid rain.
- Using wind or solar energy to generate electricity can lower the amount of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Restricting the use of fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy sources can help prevent acid rain.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of acid rain, including its formation, pH levels, forms of deposition, and effects on the environment and human health. It also explores ways to prevent acid rain.