1. Th pH scale
What should be written in the three boxes?

2. Complete these sentences:
Starter – 5 mins
Complete these sentences:
Acid rain is…
The causes of acid rain are…
The problems with acid rain are…
Extension:
How can we prevent acid rain?

3. Acid deposition Learning outcomes All of you will be able to:
Identify the components of acid precipitation
Most of you should be able to:
Outline the chemistry leading to the formation of acidified precipitations
Describe 3 possible effects on soil, water and living organisms

4. Acid Deposition

6. Acid Precipitation

7. Acid deposition forms when we burn fossil fuels.
Causes
Acid deposition forms when we burn fossil fuels.
They release:
-carbon dioxide
-sulphur dioxide
-nitrogen oxides

8. These gases are released from factories, cars and other vehicles.
Acid Deposition
These gases are released from factories, cars and other vehicles.

9. The main cause is power stations (which can be used for making electricity), factories and our own homes.
The burning of coals and oil can release sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as gas. Around half of the nitrogen oxide is from cars
These gases react with water vapour in the air, making the rain more acidic
The rain which falls is a weak acid

10. Nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide cause acid deposition

11. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and water (H2O) form sulphurous acid (H2SO3) and sulphuric acid (H2SO4)
Some oxides of nitrogen like nitrogen dioxide (NO2) react with water to form nitrous acid (HNO2) and nitric acid (HNO3)
Carbon dioxide in the air can dissolve in rain water to form carbonic acid, (H2CO3).

12. Acid Deposition Effects Direct – weakening tree growth
Toxic effects – effect of aluminium ions on fish and plant roots
Nutrient effects – leaching of nutrients

13. Acid rain can kill leaves and even the roots, killing the plant
Acid Deposition
Acid rain can kill leaves and even the roots, killing the plant
Nutrients are leached from the soil, pathogens and insects gain entry to the trees.
Leaves and buds show yellowing (loss of chlorophyll), lesions, thinning of wax cuticle.

14. Acid Deposition
Acid rain can fall into rivers and lakes causing plants and animals to die
Acid precipitation decreases the pH of the soil making aluminium ions more soluble – this aluminium eventually ends up in rivers and lakes
Low concentrations – aluminium disturbs the fish’s ability to regulate the amount of salt and water in its body.
Higher concentrations – aluminium forms a solid in the fish’s gills leading to suffocation

15. The limestone reacts with the acid and dissolves.

16. Acid deposition can cause limestone and marble to deteriorate (become damaged)
It can also cause damage to the paint on cars if it rains on them for a long time
It causes plants to become damaged and even die, by landing on the leaves as well as affecting the soil
It can affect human health if the water is consumed, or in contact with the skin a lot

17. StoryBoard – 10 mins Objectives
Explain the process of acid rain using the storyboard in your own words.
You must describe how acid rain is
made and the effects it has on the
environment.

18. StoryBoard – 10 mins

19. Electricity is made in power stations by steam turning a turbine.
Clues
Electricity is made in power stations by steam turning a turbine.
When fuels burn they release gases.
H2SO4 is the chemical formula for Sulphuric Acid.
HNO3 is the chemical formula for Nitric Acid.
CaCO3 is the chemical formula for limestone.

20. Complete these sentences:
Plenary – 5 mins
Complete these sentences:
Acid rain is…
The causes of acid rain are…
The problems with acid rain are…
Extension:
How can prevent acid rain?