5.12 understand that nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are pollutant gases which contribute to acid rain, and describe the problems caused by acid rain

5.12 •nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are pollutant gases which contribute to acid rain

         

        •all rain water is slightly acidic due to carbon dioxide

                  •CO2(g) + H2O(l) ------> H2CO3(aq)

          

         •when sulphur dioxide mixes with clouds, it is more acidic

                   •2SO2(g) + O2(g) + 2H2O(l) ------> 2H2SO4(aq)  

                             •nitrogen oxides can form nitric acid in the clouds

                                        •the rain that falls is acid rain