Acid Rain

Naturally contained in atmosphere. How does rain form? Naturally contained in atmosphere. CO2 + 2H2O H30+ + HCO3- Carbon dioxide reacts with water (rain) to produce a hydronium ion and a hydrogen carbonate ion, making the rain slightly acidic.

Rain…or Acid rain? Natural rainwater has a pH of 5.6 For rain to be called “acid rain” the pH must be < 5.6

Main Human Sources of Acid Rain Burning fuels containing sulphur Car exhaust Notes: -Ashley is amazing. -also awesome. -can be cool

Burning Fuels Containing Sulphur S(S) + O2(G) SO2(g) WHEN FUELS CONTAINING SULPHUR BURN, THE SULPHUR DOES ALSO AS IT FORMS SULPHUR DIOXIDE. Further oxidation can occur in the atmosphere producing sulphur Trioxide. 2SO2(g) + O2 2SO3(g)

2 reactions can now occur: SO2(g) + H2O (l) H2SO3(aq) SO3 + H2O(l) H2SO4(aq) Sulphurous acid- weak acid Sulphuric acid- strong acid

Car Exhaust N2(g) + O2(g) N2(g) + O2(g) 2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO(g) 2NO2(g) In hot cylinders in an internal combustion engine, N2 and O2 from the air react to form nitrogen oxides N2(g) + O2(g) 2NO(g) N2(g) + O2(g) 2NO2(g) 2NO(g) + O2(g) 2NO2(g) 2NO2(g) + H2O(l) HNO2(g) + HNO3(aq)

Where do these dangerous emissions come from?

Sulphur Dioxide

NOx

Effects on Forests Damage surface of leaves and needles Reduce the tree’s abilities to withstand cold Tree’s regenerative capability is reduced Soil loses valuable nutrients

Effect on Water Lakes Fish population decreases Plankton and other bases of the lake’s food chain decrease Eggs cannot be hatched

This Presentation was a KSAS Production.