Q. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Acid Rain’:
1.The main factor responsible for the formation of acid rain is the release of sulfur and nitrogen compounds through industrial emissions.
2.Acid rain is characterized by a decrease in pH levels.
3.In the formation of acid rain, sunlight plays a crucial role as it directly interacts with water vapor, leading to the creation of acidic compounds.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Acid rain is primarily formed when sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), emitted from industrial activities, fossil fuel combustion, and other sources, react with atmospheric moisture to create sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3), leading to acid rain. Pure rainwater naturally has a slightly acidic pH of around 5.6 due to dissolved carbon dioxide. However, acid rain typically has a pH lower than 5.0, sometimes even reaching 4.3 or lower. This increased acidity is caused by the presence of sulfuric and nitric acids.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The formation of acid rain is mainly caused by the chemical reactions between sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and water vapor in the atmosphere, facilitated by various atmospheric conditions. While sunlight may indirectly influence these reactions, it doesn’t directly interact with water vapor to create acidic compounds in the acid rain formation.
Source: Forum IAS
