Acid rain is caused by which ions?

Study for the Water, Air, Energy, and Waste Management for Environmental Sustainability Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Acid rain is caused by which ions?

Explanation:
Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere react to make sulfuric and nitric acids. Those acids dissolve in rain and break down into sulfate and nitrate ions, which are the species that give rain its acidity. Sulfate ions come from sulfuric acid, while nitrate ions come from nitric acid, and together they drive the low pH of acid rain. Ammonium ions can appear in atmospheric salts, but they’re not the primary acids; they can even help neutralize acidity in some cases by forming ammonium salts. So, the ions most responsible for acid rain are the sulfate and nitrate ions.

Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere react to make sulfuric and nitric acids. Those acids dissolve in rain and break down into sulfate and nitrate ions, which are the species that give rain its acidity. Sulfate ions come from sulfuric acid, while nitrate ions come from nitric acid, and together they drive the low pH of acid rain. Ammonium ions can appear in atmospheric salts, but they’re not the primary acids; they can even help neutralize acidity in some cases by forming ammonium salts. So, the ions most responsible for acid rain are the sulfate and nitrate ions.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy