Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

What is acid rain? Mention two of its effects.

seo-qna
SearchIcon
Answer
VerifiedVerified
442.2k+ views
Hint:
 When sulfur dioxide $(S{O_2})$ and nitrogen oxides $N{O_x}$ are released into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents, acid rain is produced. $(S{O_2})$ and $N{O_x}$ react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Complete solution:
Acid rain: Due to the carbon dioxide content in the air, the pH of all rainwater is acidic. However, certain industrial pollutants can excessively lower the pH value, thereby causing harm to the environment. For example, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can have a huge impact on the pH of rainwater.

Rainwater contaminated by these compounds changes the pH of water and soil, making them more acidic. Certain trees and fish have adapted to a specific pH, and changes in pH will kill them and make some forests, lakes and rivers lose their lives.

Effect of acid rain: Acid is reminiscent of corrosive chemicals that dissolve metals and other materials, and acid precipitation
Does not directly affect human health. The pH of acid rain is not enough to burn human skin. According to the U.S.
 Environmental Protection Agency, “Swimming in acid lakes or walking in acid puddles is no more harmful to people than swimming or walking in clean water.

 Air quality is closely related to everything. Although acid rain cannot directly Harm humans, the production of sulfur dioxide can cause health problems, especially sulfur dioxide particles in the air can exacerbate chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Note:
 When sulfur dioxide $(S{O_2})$ and nitrogen oxides $N{O_x}$ are released into the atmosphere and transported by wind and air currents, acid rain is produced. $(S{O_2})$ and $N{O_x}$ react with water, oxygen and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Then mix them with water and other materials, and then drop to the ground.