Question

What is acid rain? What are the various components of acid rain? Why is it harmful? [3 Marks]

Answer 1

Explanation: 1 Mark
Components: 1 Mark
Damages: 1 Mark

As the name indicates the rain containing excess of acids is called acid rain.

The rain becomes acidic because carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide (which are released into the air as pollutants) dissolve in raindrops to form carbonic acid, sulphuric acid, and nitric acid respectively.

Acid rain is harmful because it can cause damage to buildings, historical monuments, plants, and animals. One of the best examples of harmful effects of acid rains is its effect on Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal is made of marbles which are basic(calcium carbonate). Its colour has changed because of acid rain.