Question

Which of the following gases would be responsible for acid rain?

• A. $N{O}_2$
• B. $N{H}_3$
• C. $CaO$
• D. $S{O}_3$

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (D)

$S{O}_3$

We know that generally non-metal oxides react with water to form acidic compounds. Let's take the example of $C{O}_2$ gas reaction with water.

$C{O}_2+H_{2}O\to H_{2}C{O}_3$

The product formed is called carbonic acid.

Similarly, other non-metallic acids like $S{O}_3$ and $N{O}_2$ which are released by chemical factories, automobiles, thermal power plants etc mix with the rain and fall on the earth as acids. This is known as acid rain. It is responsible for damaging the environment and monuments.

So the only non-metallic oxides given to us in the options are $S{O}_3$ and $N{O}_2$.

Note: Ammonia and calcium oxide are basic in nature, therefore, cannot produce acid rain.