Explain the formation of acid rain due to: (i) oxides of sulphur (ii) oxides of nitrogen
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Explain the formation of acid rain due to: (i) oxides of sulphur (ii) oxides of nitrogen
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Answer:
**Formation of Acid Rain:**
**(i) Oxides of Sulphur:**
1. **Emission Sources:** Combustion of fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil, releases sulphur dioxide (\(SO_2\)) into the atmosphere.
2. **Chemical Reactions:**
- In the atmosphere, \(SO_2\) reacts with oxygen (\(O_2\)) to form sulphur trioxide (\(SO_3\)).
- \(SO_3\) then reacts with water (\(H_2O\)) to produce sulphuric acid (\(H_2SO_4\)), a strong acid.
3. **Dissolution in Rainwater:**
- Sulphuric acid is carried by rainwater, forming sulphurous acid and sulphuric acid in solution.
- These acids contribute to the acidity of rain, forming acid rain.
**(ii) Oxides of Nitrogen:**
1. **Emission Sources:** Burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes release nitrogen oxides (\(NO_x\)), including nitrogen dioxide (\(NO_2\)), into the air.
2. **Chemical Reactions:**
- \(NO_2\) reacts with water vapor to produce nitric acid (\(HNO_3\)).
- Nitric acid is a strong acid that contributes to the acidity of rain.
3. **Dissolution in Rainwater:**
- Nitric acid dissolves in rainwater, forming nitrous acid and nitric acid.
- These acids contribute to the acidity of rain, leading to the formation of acid rain.
**Effects of Acid Rain:**
- Harmful impact on aquatic ecosystems, including damage to aquatic life.
- Adverse effects on soil quality and plant health.
- Corrosion of buildings, monuments, and infrastructure.
- Respiratory problems in humans due to air pollution.
It's important to note that efforts to reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can help mitigate the formation of acid rain and its detrimental effects.
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(i) Oxides of sulphur: When fossil fuels like coal and oil are burned, they release sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. This gas can react with oxygen and water vapor in the air to form sulphuric acid (H2SO4), which is a component of acid rain.
(ii) Oxides of nitrogen: Combustion processes, such as those in vehicles and power plants, produce nitrogen oxides (NOx). These nitrogen oxides can react with water and other atmospheric compounds to form nitric acid (HNO3), another component of acid rain.
The formation of acid rain is a result of these pollutants being released into the atmosphere and undergoing chemical reactions with other compounds. Acid rain can have harmful effects on the environment, including damaging trees, plants, and aquatic ecosystems.
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