**Acid Rain:** Acid rain is defined as rain having a pH less than 5
Explanation level
Introduction
The acidity of rainwater increases in polluted areas during thunderstorms. For example, SO2 (sulphur dioxide) from power plants during the combustion of fossil fuels and NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) from automobile exhaust fumes dissolve in rainwater producing acids.
The pH of rainwater can be much lower due to the production of H2SO4 and HNO3. By lightning during the thunderstorm, the rain may have a pH as low as 2.
Acid Rain is defined as rain having a pH less than 5.
This section explains what acid rain is and the role of nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in its formation.
Definition
Acid Rain: Acid rain is defined as rain having a pH less than 5.
In simple words: Acid rain is rain that is more acidic than normal because it contains dissolved acids like sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
Main Idea
The acidity of rainwater increases in polluted areas during thunderstorms.
SO2 from power plants (from burning fossil fuels) and NO2 from automobile exhaust fumes dissolve in rainwater, producing acids.
The pH of rainwater can be much lower due to the production of H2SO4 and HNO3.
Lightning during thunderstorms can also contribute, and rain may have a pH as low as 2.
Acid rain is defined as rain having a pH less than 5.
Core Concept
Component
Source
Role
SO2
Power plants (burning fossil fuels)
Forms H2SO4
NO2
Automobile exhaust
Forms HNO3
Lightning
Thunderstorms
Contributes to acid formation
H2SO4
From SO2
Strong acid in acid rain
HNO3
From NO2
Strong acid in acid rain
Key point: Acid rain is caused by the dissolution of SO2 and NO2 in rainwater, forming sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
Detailed Explanation
What is Acid Rain?
The acidity of rainwater increases in polluted areas during thunderstorms. For example:
SO2 from power plants during the combustion of fossil fuels.
NO2 from automobiles.
Exhaust fumes dissolve in rainwater producing acids.
The pH of rainwater can be much lower due to the production of H2SO4 and HNO3. By lightning during the thunderstorm, the rain may have a pH as low as 2.
Acid Rain is defined as rain having a pH less than 5.
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