Acid Rain
Definition
Acid rain refers to rainfall that has become acidic due to atmospheric pollution containing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as rain.
Analogy
Imagine a rain shower that turns into lemon juice falling from the sky. Acid rain is like nature's version of sour rainwater due to pollution.
Related terms
pH Scale: A measure of acidity or alkalinity ranging from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity.
Erosion: Acid rain can accelerate the erosion of buildings, statues, and natural features by corroding their surfaces.
Aquatic Life Decline: The increased acidity in bodies of water caused by acid rain can harm aquatic organisms and disrupt ecosystems.
"Acid Rain" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (8)
- What is the effect of acid rain on bodies of water?
- What is one way to mitigate acid rain?
- What is a benefit of promoting the use of renewable energy sources in the context of mitigating acid rain?
- What is the role of trees and other vegetation in mitigating the effects of acid rain?
- What is the role of scrubbers and other pollution control technologies in mitigating acid rain?
- Which of the following is an anthropogenic source of nitrogen oxides (NOx) that contribute to the formation of acid rain?
- Which of the following is a potential impact of acid rain on human health?
- Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which acid rain damages plant life?
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