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acid rain

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Definition

Acid rain is a form of precipitation that is more acidic than normal rain. It is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. These gases react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form acids.

The pH scale is a way of measuring how acidic or basic a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic, while substances with a pH above 7 are basic.

Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6. Acid rain has a pH of less than 5.6. The lower the pH, the more acidic the substance is.

Acid rain can be harmful to the environment. It can damage trees, lakes, and even buildings. It can also make people sick.

Here are some of the things that acid rain can do:

  • Damage trees: Acid rain can make trees more susceptible to disease and pests. It can also make the leaves of trees turn yellow and fall off.
  • Acidify lakes: Acid rain can lower the pH of lakes, making it difficult for fish and other aquatic life to survive.
  • Damage buildings: Acid rain can corrode metal and stone, causing damage to buildings and other structures.
  • Make people sick: Acid rain can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It can also make people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce acid rain, including:

  • Using cleaner fuels: Burning cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, can reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
  • Installing pollution controls: Pollution controls can be installed on factories and power plants to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
  • Protecting forests: Protecting forests can help to reduce the amount of acid rain that reaches the ground.

Acid rain is still a problem in some parts of the world. In order to fully address the problem of acid rain, it is important to continue to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.

How can the word be used?

The word "acid rain" refers to precipitation that has a pH below 5.6. This type of rain is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. These gases react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form acids.

acid rain

Different forms of the word

Noun:

acid rain (plural: acid rains).

precipitation that has a pH below 5.6.

a form of pollution caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Adjective:

  • acid-rain.
  • relating to or caused by acid rain.

Verb:

  • acidify.
  • to make something acidic.

Etymology

The word acid is derived from the Latin word acidus, which means "sour". In entomology, the word acid can be used to refer to a substance that is produced by some insects and that can be used for defense or for communication.

Question

How can acid rain impact the environment?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question: Acid rain is a major environmental problem.

a) Describe the formation of acid rain.

b) Explain the effects of acid rain on trees.

c) Discuss the measures that can be taken to reduce acid rain.

This question would test your understanding of the formation, effects, and mitigation of acid rain. You would need to be able to explain the chemical reactions involved in the formation of acid rain, as well as the effects of acid rain on trees. You would also need to be able to discuss the measures that can be taken to reduce acid rain, such as using cleaner fuels and installing pollution controls.

Here are some possible answers to the question:

a) Acid rain is formed when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. These gases react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form acids.

b) Acid rain can damage the leaves of trees, making them more susceptible to disease and pests. It can also make the leaves fall off prematurely, which can weaken the tree and make it more likely to die.

c) There are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce acid rain, including:

  • Using cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, which produce less sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
  • Installing pollution controls on factories and power plants to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
  • Protecting forests, which can help to reduce the amount of acid rain that reaches the ground.