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Assignment Number: 3: Submitted To: Muhammed Sahal Head of Chemistry Submitted By: Talha Rafiq
Assignment Number: 3: Submitted To: Muhammed Sahal Head of Chemistry Submitted By: Talha Rafiq
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8
TALHA RAFIQ
MARCH
2015
CLASS: 8
Acid Rain
Acid Rain
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that
it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It can have harmful effects on
plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure.
Human activity
The principal cause of acid rain is sulfur and nitrogen compounds from human sources,
such as electricity generation, factories, and motor vehicles.
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur
dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very
high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other
chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain. Sulfur dioxide and
nitrogen oxides dissolve very easily in water and can be carried very far by the wind. As
a result, the two compounds can travel long distances where they become part of the
rain, sleet, snow, and fog that we experience on certain days.
8
TALHA RAFIQ
MARCH
2015
CLASS: 8
Visibility
Sulfates and nitrates that form in the atmosphere from sulfur dioxide (SO 2) and nitrogen
oxides (NOx) emissions contribute to visibility impairment, meaning we can't see as far
or as clearly through the air.
Materials
Acid rain and the dry deposition of acidic particles contribute to the corrosion of metals
(such as bronze) and the deterioration of paint and stone (such as marble and
limestone). These effects seriously reduce the value to society of buildings, bridges,
cultural objects (such as statues, monuments, and tombstones), and cars.
8
TALHA RAFIQ
MARCH
2015
CLASS: 8
Both the lower pH and higher aluminium concentrations in surface water that occur as a
result of acid rain can cause damage to fish and other aquatic animals. At pHs lower
than 5 most fish eggs will not hatch and lower pHs can kill adult fish.
8
TALHA RAFIQ
MARCH
2015
CLASS: 8
Chemical processes
Combustion of fuels produces sulfur dioxide and nitric oxides. They are converted into
sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
8
TALHA RAFIQ
MARCH
2015
CLASS: 8
References:
1. Wikipedia
2. Epa.Gov
3. Nsu.edu
Sources Mentioned.
8
TALHA RAFIQ
MARCH
2015
CLASS: 8