University:
Monmouth University
Course:
PH-101 | Physics in Our Lives
Academic year:

2023
Views:

237

Pages:

2
Author:

Jenna Roy

ACID RAIN WEBQUEST Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are gases released by the burning of fossil fuels. These gases can react with water and oxygen to form acids. Normally, rainwater is slightly acidic. But the additional acid that enters the air when fuels are burned makes it even more acidic. Acid rain can have a harmful effect on fish and other wildlife and upsets the delicate balance of a forest or aquatic ecosystem. The good news is that it works the other way, too. Decreasing car and factory emissions can reduce acid rain and help wildlife. Look for info on the web to answer these questions, keep the webs visited and write them here: 1. Make a drawing to explain what is acid rain. 2. The two main gases that cause acid rain are Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides (SO2 and NOx ) 3. Describe what happens when these two gases react in the atmosphere with water. These gases can react with water and oxygen to form acids such as 4. The result of the reaction you described in question 6 is a mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. 5. Next, you'll learn more about the Effects of Acid Rain. Click the links below to complete the Acid Rain Effects table Acid Rain Effect On: Description of Effect Surface waters Because of the connections between the many fish, plants, and other organisms living in an aquatic ecosystem, changes in pH or aluminum levels affect biodiversity as well. Thus, as lakes and streams become more acidic, the numbers and types of fish and other aquatic plants and animals that live in these waters decrease. Forests Acid rain weakens trees by damaging their leaves, limiting the nutrients available to them, or exposing them to toxic substances slowly released from the soil. Acidic water dissolves the nutrients and helpful minerals in the soil and then washes them away. Automotive coatings Materials Visibility Human health Acid rain can scar automotive coatings Acid rain produces the corrosion of metals (such as bronze) and the deterioration of paint and stone (such as marble and limestone). These effects significantly reduce the societal value of buildings, bridges, cultural objects (such as statues, monuments, and tombstones), and cars. we cannot see as far or as clearly through the air. The harm to people from acid rain is not direct but it produces increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.