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Environmental Chemistry - E2
Questions on acid deposition
20
Chemistry
11th Grade
08/28/2012

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Term
What is acid deposition?
Definition
Acidic particles or gases that deposit or fall on Earth
Term
What are the most common acidic gases?
Definition
Oxides of sulphur and oxides of nitrogen
Term
What is the pH value of rain water?
Definition
5.6
Term
Why is rain water acidic?
Definition
Dissolved carbon dioxide creates carbonic acid (HCO3)
Term
What is the definition of acid rain?
Definition
Any rain with pH lower than 5.6
Term
What does sulphur dioxide produce in the presence of water?
Definition
Sulphurous acid H2SO3
Term
What factors lead to the oxidisation of sulphur dioxide?
Definition
O2, O3, OH and sunlight.
Term
Give the formula for the oxidisation of sulfur dioxide into sulphur trioxide.
Definition
SO2 + 1/2 O2 = SO3
Term
What happens to oxides of sulphur in the presence of water?
Definition
They can be converted to sulphuric acid
Term
What happens to nitrogen dioxide in the absence of oxygen?
Definition
With water, it forms nitrous acid (HNO2) and nitric acid (HNO3).
Term
What factor can accelerate the formation of nitric acid?
Definition
Hydroxyl free radical (OH) from smog
Term
What are common side effects of acid rain on humans?
Definition
Irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes
Term
What component of acid rain may lead to Alzheimer's?
Definition
Increased concentrations of aqueous Al (III)
Term
What are two side effects of highly concentrated aqueous Al (III)?
Definition
Can affect gill function in fish, may cause Alzheimer's
Term
What material is most affected by acid rain?
Definition
Limestone, CaCO3
Term
What is 'stone leprosy'?
Definition
Insoluble carbonates are converted to more soluble ones which can dissolve in water and damage stone.
Term
What are other effects of acid rain on materials?
Definition
Corrosion of iron and steel, deterioration of electrical equipment, bleaching and weakening of fabrics and leather, heavy toxic metals in water
Term
What are the effects of acid rain on plants?
Definition
Bleaching and yellowing of leaves, suppression of growth and removal of important nutrients (e.g. magnesium)
Term
What are effects on visibility?
Definition
Sulfuric acid and sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere can cause loss of visibility and can curtail air flights
Term
What are common methods for prevention?
Definition
Catalytic converters, control of air to fuel ratio, pre-combustion methods; alternative energy sources, adding lime to soil and lakes.
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