Discussion Questions
1. What are the primary causes of acid rain, and how do human activities contribute to this environmental issue?
2. To what extent do natural sources play a role in the occurrence of acid rain compared to anthropogenic sources?
3. How do chemical reactions involving sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides lead to the formation of acid rain?
4. In what ways does acid rain affect soil health and nutrient availability for plants?
5. How does acid rain impact aquatic ecosystems and why are certain species more vulnerable?
6. What measures can be implemented to mitigate the effects of acid rain on the environment and human health?
Learning Objectives
1. Synthesize information from various sections of the reading to articulate a comprehensive understanding of acid rain and its implications.
2. Discuss mitigation strategies that can be implemented to reduce the occurrence and impact of acid rain.
3. Analyze the anthropogenic and natural causes of acid rain and their respective contributions to the phenomenon.
4. Examine the chemical processes involved in the formation of sulfuric and nitric acids from precursor pollutants.
5. Evaluate the environmental, health, and infrastructural effects of acid rain on various ecosystems and human communities.
Questions
1. Which of the following best describes acid rain?
A. Snow that is free from pollutants.
B. Rain that only occurs in urban areas.
C. Any form of precipitation that is more acidic than normal.
D. Precipitation with a higher pH than normal.
○ Correct answer: C. Any form of precipitation that is more acidic than normal.
2. What is the pH level of acid rain compared to normal rain?
A. The same as normal rain B. Lower than normal rain C. Higher than normal rain D. Neutral
○ Correct answer: B. Lower than normal rain 3. What is one potential mitigation strategy for acid rain?
A. Increasing fossil fuel use
B. Implementing stricter emissions regulations C. Reducing public transportation
D. Encouraging deforestation
○ Correct answer: B. Implementing stricter emissions regulations 4. What is the primary cause of acid rain?
A. Natural volcanic eruptions B. Use of fertilizers
C. Burning of fossil fuels D. Heavy rainfall
○ Correct answer: C. Burning of fossil fuels 5. How do industrial emissions contribute to acid rain?
A. They release oxygen into the atmosphere.
B. They emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
C. They absorb acid rain.
D. They cool the atmosphere.
○ Correct answer: B. They emit sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
6. Which of the following is a natural source of acid rain?
A. Power plants B. Factories
C. Volcanic eruptions D. Automobiles
○ Correct answer: C. Volcanic eruptions 7. How does atmospheric transport affect acid rain?
A. It prevents acid rain from falling.
B. It allows acid rain to fall far from its source.
C. It increases the acidity of the atmosphere.
D. It has no effect on acid rain.
○ Correct answer: B. It allows acid rain to fall far from its source.
8. What is the role of atmospheric transport in acid rain?
A. It allows pollutants to travel long distances.
B. It has no impact on acid rain.
C. It increases the acidity of the atmosphere.
D. It prevents acid rain from falling.
○ Correct answer: A. It allows pollutants to travel long distances.
9. Which chemical reaction leads to the formation of sulfuric acid in acid rain?
A. 2NO₂ + H₂O → HNO₃ + HNO₂ B. SO₃ + H₂O → H₂SO₄
C. SO₂ + O₂ → SO₃ D. H₂O + CO₂ → H₂CO₃
○ Correct answer: B. SO₃ + H₂O → H₂SO₄ 10. What effect does acid rain have on aquatic ecosystems?
A. It increases fish populations.
B. It improves water quality.
C. It can lead to acidification of water bodies.
D. It has no effect on aquatic life.
○ Correct answer: C. It can lead to acidification of water bodies.
