Friday, December 11, 2009

Harmful Effects of Acid Rain

Acid rain is more acidic than normal rain and forms through a complex process of chemical reactions involving air pollution. The two most importantpollutants that contribute to the formation of acid rain are nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide, which react with moisture in the atmosphere to form nitric and sulfuric acid.

The sulfur and nitrogen compounds that contribute to acid rain primarily come from anthropogenic sources, such as industries, utilities, automobiles and other forms of transportation. Pollutants that contribute to acid rain may be carried hundreds of miles before being deposited on the earth. Because of this, it is sometimes difficult to determine the specific sources of these acid rain pollutants.

Acid rain can harm forests and crops, damage bodies of water, and contribute to the damage of statues and buildings. Researchers are considering the possible effects of acid rain on human heath. These acidic pollutants can be deposited through rain, snow, fog, dew, or sleet. Large quantities can also be deposited in a dry form through dust.


1) Vocabulary

a) acid
b) solution
c) acetic acid
d) acid rain
e) nitrogen oxide
f) sulfur dioxide
g) sulfuric acid
h) nitric acid
i) pH

2) Activities

a) Discuss acids, bases, pH, and acid deposition.

b) Before activity, make predictions. If vinegar contains acid, then how will some items placed in vinegar change? If these items were placed in water, would they change in the same ways as in vinegar?

c) Pour vinegar in one container. Place an eggshell piece, a leaf, and a paper clip in the container. Put the lid on the container.

d) Pour water in the other container. Place an eggshell, a leaf, and a paper clip in this container. Put the lid on the container.

e) Let the two sealed containers sit overnight.

f) Remove the container lids. Observe any changes that took place in the two containers.Write down observations.

g) Results—In the container of water, the items will not show noticeable changes. In the container of vinegar, the eggshell will be soft, the leaf will have brown spots on it, and the paperclip will not show a noticeable change. This activity indicates that acidic solutions can be harmful.

1 comment:

  1. You are completely right, and I fully agree with you on this issue. The effects of acid rain are indeed harmful, and we are not Gods to change anything. Well, just let us be careful with our nature. Also, remember that sitting and writing during all day long is also harmful - this is the website telling you why it happens!