Acid Rain Flashcards
1
Q
What is acid rain?
A
Acid rain is any precipitation that contains an acidic composition, such as sulphuric acid
2
Q
How is acid rain caused?
A
Acid rain is caused when carbon (IV) oxide, sulphur (IV) oxide and nitrogen oxides (CO2, SO2, and NO2) are released into the atmosphere. These react with oxygen and other elements to form acids, which mix with water and return as precipitation.
3
Q
What are the chemical reactions for the formation of acid rain?
A
SO2 + H2O ==> H2SO3 (sulphonic acid)
SO3 + H2O ==> H2SO4 (sulphuric acid)
CO2 + H2O ==> H2CO3 (carbonic acid)
NO2 + H2O ==> HNO3 + HNO2 (nitric and nitrous acid)
