Consider the following:1. Carbon monoxide2. Nitrogen oxide3. Ozone4. Sulphur dioxide Excess of which of the above in the environment is/are the cause(s) of acid rain?
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 and 4 only
ExplanationNormal rain has a pH of about 5.6 when pH falls below this; it is called Acid rain (pH 4.2 to 4.4).Acid rain results when Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) & Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) react with water, oxygen & other chemicals to form Sulfuric & Nitric acids.Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide cause Acid rain.The acid rain harms microorganisms in the soil; inhibits the activity of nitro- gen fixation bacteria; soil acidification; ocean acidification; af- fects the growth of plants; food chain; kills aquatic animals; cor- rosion of metals & weathering of stone buildings & statues.Environment and Ecology 487 NOx + SO2 + Moisture + other chemicals → Acid Rain (HNO3 + H2SO4) 68
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