Question

Give the reactions involved in the formation of acid rain.

Answer 1

Acid rain: When the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen dissolve in rainwater, it forms a dilute solution of sulphuric acid and nitric acid respectively. This rain is called acid rain.

The reactions involved in the formation of acid rain:

1. The oxides of sulfur and nitrogen from chimneys and exhaust pipes enter clouds and combine with the cloud particles to make acids.
2. These acids formed will fall into the ground along with the rain known as acid rain.
3. Also, carbon dioxide combines with water vapor to form carbonic acid which forms a part of acid rain.
4. There will be a few more acids based on the pollutants present in the atmosphere and based on reactions occurring.
5. The equations for the reactions are as follows:

SO_x + H₂O ⇢ H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid)

NO_x + H₂O ⇢ HNO₃ (nitric acid)

CO₂ + H₂O ⇢ H₂CO₃ (carbonic acid)