Acid rain

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that has a lower pH than normal rainwater, typically caused by the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere, which react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

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What is pH?

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pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

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What are the main causes of acid rain?

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The main causes of acid rain are emissions from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), industrial processes, and volcanic eruptions.

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How does acid rain affect aquatic life?

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Acid rain lowers the pH of water bodies, which can harm fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to declining populations.

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What role does sulfur dioxide (SO2) play in acid rain?

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Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a key contributor to acid rain; it is released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels and can react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid.

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What is the impact of acid rain on soil?

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Acid rain can leach essential nutrients from the soil, making it less fertile and harming plant growth.

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How does acid rain affect human health?

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Acid rain can contribute to air pollution, which can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues when pollutants enter the lungs.

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What is the difference between natural and anthropogenic (human-caused) acid rain?

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Natural acid rain can occur from volcanic eruptions and natural processes, while anthropogenic acid rain is primarily caused by human activities such as industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust.

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What are some ways to reduce acid rain?

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Reducing acid rain can be achieved by decreasing fossil fuel consumption, using cleaner energy sources, and implementing regulations to limit emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.

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What is the relationship between acid rain and climate change?

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While acid rain and climate change are distinct issues, both are influenced by fossil fuel combustion; reducing emissions can help mitigate both problems.