Question

Acid rain is caused by an increase in the atmospheric concentration of
A) ${O_3}$ and dust.
B) \[S{O_2}\] and \[N{O_2}\].
C) \[S{O_3}\] and CO.
D) \[C{O_2}\] and CO.

Answer 1

Hint: Acid rain is caused due to the pollutants present in the atmosphere. Such rains are harmful to forests, freshwater and soil. It can affect crops which could lead to an agricultural loss.

Complete answer: Acid rain is acidic than normal rain. It gets acidic due to the pollutants in the atmosphere. The acid rain has unusually high pH precipitation in the rain which have elevated levels of hydrogen ions. They cause adverse effects on the paints of houses, corrosion of metals, aquatic animals, soil microorganisms, etc. The emission of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide causes acidity in the rain. The sulphur dioxide can also be naturally produced by the volcanic eruptions. The nitrogen oxide is also naturally produced by lightning strikes. This lightning causes nitrogen to convert into nitrates which are deposited by rain. The industrial emissions also are responsible for acid rain. The sulfur dioxide is the main component of the rain that makes acidic rains. The fixed nitric acid is important for the nitrogen-fixing bacteria which are precipitated in the rain. Due to this, acidic deposits are also seen in the glacial acetic acid. The process during electricity generation, animal agriculture, factories, motor vehicles, etc. emit sulphur and nitrogen compounds which again are responsible for acid rains.
Hence, the correct answer is option B.

Note: The carbon emissions make the ozone layer damaged, while the sulphur and nitrogen fixed in the rain is normal and can be beneficial for some plants and microorganisms. When the pH of the rain increases, it causes more adverse effects. For example, it can affect aquatic lives such as fishes, plants, etc.