Acid Rain Flashcards
What causes acid rain?
The combustion of fossil fuels in industries and vehicles releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which dissolve in atmospheric water to form acids.
Which acids are formed in acid rain?
Dilute sulfuric acid (from sulfur dioxide) and dilute nitric acid (from nitrogen dioxide).
How does acid rain form in the atmosphere?
Acidic gases dissolve in water vapor in clouds and fall as acid rain during precipitation.
How far can acid rain travel from the source?
Acid rain can be carried hundreds of miles from the source of pollution by air currents.
What is the lowest recorded pH of acid rain?
Rain with a pH as low as 4 has been recorded.
Name two countries where acid rain has had a severe impact.
Germany (e.g. Black Forest) and Norway (around 400 lakes rendered fishless).
What effect does acid rain have on forests and plants?
Acid rain may kill plants and trees, but in some cases (e.g. pine forests in Scandinavia) it may enhance growth.
How does acid rain affect aquatic ecosystems?
It dissolves compounds of poisonous metals into water bodies, poisoning aquatic life.
How has acid rain affected lakes in Norway?
Around 400 lakes have become fishless due to acid rain pollution.
How does acid rain damage cities?
It erodes stone structures (e.g. statues and carvings) and corrodes metal structures.
How are governments trying to reduce acid rain?
By enforcing regulations to reduce emissions from industries and improving engine designs in vehicles to limit pollutant release.
