Acid Rain: Important Questions & Answers with Detailed Explanation

The presence of oxides of nitrogen and sulphur in the atmosphere contributes to the formation of acid rain. In other words,when the pH of rainwater falls below 5.6, it is called acid rain. The source of emission of SO₂ and NO_x in the atmosphere are large industries, factories and power plants. Discoloration in the Taj Mahal of Agra is a famous example of the consequence of acid rain. 

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Important Subjective Questions on Acid Rain [3 marks]

Ques. What are the sources of release of nitrogen and sulphur oxides in the atmosphere?

Ans. The majority of sulfur and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere from volcanoes, and the burning of fossil fuels. The large industries, factories and thermal power plants also contribute to the emission of harmful gases including SO₂ and NO_x. 

Ques. What are the potential risks of acid rain on plants and animals?

Ans. The lives of animals and plants are disturbed by the acidic pH of acid rain. Acidic soil can even prevent seeds from germinating, which can have an impact on the growth of plants and the long-term stability of ecosystems.

• Effect on Animals:

The sudden change in the value of pH affects aluminum concentration in surface water. The accumulation of aluminum in large quantities may cause harm to fish and other aquatic animals. The drop in pH of surface water to 5.0 or below 5.0 may cause disturbance for fishes in hatching their eggs. 

• Effect on Plants:

The biochemical processes that degrade the quality of soil can also hinder the growth of plants. Soil whose quality has deteriorated due to any natural or man-made destruction is the first to be damaged by acid rain. As a result, the essential nutrients required by the plants are leached away by the increased accumulation of hydronium ions in the soil.

Ques. What are the impacts of acid rain on the environment? 

Ans. The environment is adversely affected by acid rain in many ways such as:

• Soil Degradation: The pH of soil is lowered by the effects of acid rain which in turn results in the leaching of essential nutrients away from the soil. 
• Water Bodies: Aquatic lives of plants and animals get disturbed by the acidic pH of surface water.
• Forest Damage: The process of leaching of essential nutrients can damage the leaves of plants or may even cause diseases.
• Man-made Environment: The deposition of acid causes Acid rain accelerate the decay of buildings, monuments, and statues, especially those made of limestone and marble.

Also Check: Sulphur Cycle

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Important MCQs on Acid Rain [1 mark]

Ques. The term “Acid Rain” was discovered by: 

1. Robert Angus Smith
2. Christ Ralph
3. M.S Swaminathan
4. John Muir

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Ques. What Causes Acid rain? 

1. Climate Change
2. Soil Pollution 
3. Air Pollution
4. All 

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Ques. What is the pH of acid rain that causes damage to the environment? 

1. 4.4
2. 6.0
3. 7.2
4. 8.0

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Ques. What are the consequences of acid rain? 

1. Damage to flora & fauna
2. Damage to monuments
3. Damage to humans
4. All 

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Ques. The process by which acidic soils which causes acid rain fall are neutralized is called: 

1. Soil erosion
2. Soil pollution
3. Liming
4. Global warming

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Ques. Discolouration of marbles of the famous Taj Mahal is due to: 

1. Global warming
2. Air pollution
3. Poor quality of marbles
4. Acid rain

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