Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
Sulfur dioxide is a gas that is released into the air when fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, are burned. It can cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.
Acid Rain: Acid rain is caused by pollutants like sulfur dioxide combining with water vapor in the atmosphere and falling back to Earth as acidic precipitation.
Air Pollution: Sulfur dioxide is one of the primary pollutants contributing to air pollution, which can have harmful effects on human health and the environment.
Fossil Fuels: The burning of fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, making it an important term related to this key term.