Acid rains are produced bya)Excess of NO2 and SO2 from burning fossil...
Acid rain refers to rainfall (precipitation) with a pH of less than 5. It is a mixture of H
2SO
4 and HNO
3. The ratio of the two acids varies depending on the relative quantities of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides present in the atmosphere.
These oxides are mainly produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, smelters, industries, power plants, automobile exhausts, etc.
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Acid rains are produced bya)Excess of NO2 and SO2 from burning fossil...
Acid rains are produced by
a) Excess of NO2 and SO2 from burning fossil fuels
Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere. These gases are known as primary pollutants and are major contributors to the formation of acid rain.
Explanation:
- When fossil fuels are burned, the carbon in the fuel combines with oxygen in the air to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change.
- However, fossil fuel combustion also produces other gases, such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which have harmful effects on the environment and human health.
- Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is produced when nitrogen in the fuel combines with oxygen in the air. It is a brownish gas and a major component of smog. In the presence of sunlight and other pollutants, NO2 can react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to form ground-level ozone, a major air pollutant.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is produced when sulfur in the fuel combines with oxygen. It is a colorless gas with a strong odor and is a major contributor to the formation of acid rain.
- When NO2 and SO2 are released into the atmosphere, they can undergo chemical reactions with water, oxygen, and other compounds to form nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4), respectively.
- These acids can then mix with rainwater or other forms of precipitation, forming acid rain. Acid rain has a lower pH value than normal rain (which has a pH of around 5.6) and can have harmful effects on the environment, including damaging forests, lakes, and buildings, and harming aquatic life.
- The excess of NO2 and SO2 released from burning fossil fuels, especially in industrial processes and power generation, is a major cause of acid rain.
Therefore, the correct option is 'A) Excess of NO2 and SO2 from burning fossil fuels' as it accurately explains the primary cause of acid rain.
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