The adverse effect(s) of acid rain is(are)a)Causing paint to peelb)Cor...
When the quantity of acids in the raining water is more than the average, then such rain is called 'Acid rain'.
We are aware that normally rainwater has a pH of 5.6. When the pH of the rainwater drops below 5.6, it is called acid rain.
Acid rain refers to the ways in which acid from the atmosphere is deposited on the earth’s surface. Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur which are acidic in nature can be blown by wind along with solid particles in the atmosphere and finally settle down either on the ground as dry deposition or in water, fog and snow as wet deposition.
Acid rain is a byproduct of a variety of human activities that emit the oxides of sulphur and nitrogen in the atmosphere. As mentioned earlier, burning of fossil fuels (which contain sulphur and nitrogenous matter) such as coal and oil in power stations and furnaces or petrol and diesel in motor engines produce sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
SO2 and NO2 after oxidation and reaction with water are major contributors to acid rain because polluted air usually contains particulate matter that catalyses the oxidation.
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) + 2H2O (l) → 2H2SO4 (aq)
4NO2 (g) + O2 (g)+ 2H2O (l) → 4HNO3 (aq)
The bad effects of acid rain
- When acid rain falls and flows as groundwater to reach rivers, lakes etc, it affects plants and animal life in the aquatic ecosystem
- Acid rain is harmful to agriculture, trees and plants as it dissolves and washes away nutrients needed for their growth
- It causes respiratory ailments in human beings and animal
- It may also cause corrosion in many buildings bridges, monuments, fencing etc
- It causes irritation in the eyes and skin of human beings
- This rain reduces the lustre of the metals too
- Acid rain damages buildings and other structures made of stone or metal
- The Taj Mahal in India has been affected by acid rain
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The adverse effect(s) of acid rain is(are)a)Causing paint to peelb)Cor...
Adverse Effects of Acid Rain
Acid rain refers to the deposition of acidic components such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid in the atmosphere. It is primarily caused by the emission of pollutants from human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. Acid rain can have various adverse effects on the environment, including the following:
1. Causing paint to peel:
Acid rain contains sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which can react with the chemicals in paint and cause it to peel off surfaces. This effect is particularly noticeable on buildings, bridges, and other structures with painted surfaces. The acidic components of acid rain can break down the chemical bonds in the paint, leading to its degradation and ultimately causing it to peel.
2. Corrosion of steel structures:
Steel structures, such as bridges and buildings, are also vulnerable to the adverse effects of acid rain. The acidic components in acid rain can react with the iron in steel, leading to corrosion. Corrosion weakens the structural integrity of steel, making it more prone to damage and deterioration. This can have severe consequences for the safety and longevity of steel structures.
3. Harmful for agriculture:
Acid rain can have detrimental effects on agriculture. When acid rain falls on soil, it can increase the acidity of the soil, making it less suitable for plant growth. Acidic soil can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients by plants, leading to nutrient deficiencies and reduced crop yields. Additionally, acid rain can also directly damage crops and vegetation by burning their leaves and inhibiting photosynthesis.
Overall, all of the above:
All of the mentioned options (a), (b), and (c) are correct as adverse effects of acid rain. Acid rain not only causes paint to peel and corrodes steel structures but also poses a significant threat to agriculture. It is essential to mitigate the sources of acid rain and take measures to reduce its impact on the environment to protect human health, infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.