Question

Pollution is on the rise due to a rapid increase in the number of automobiles and buildings. All of these release a large amount of harmful gases and particulate pollutants in the atmosphere which react with atmospheric moisture and produce various kinds of acidic gases.

1. Mention two main gases which are emitted from the industries into the atmosphere.
2. What are the two main acids produced in the atmosphere when poisonous gases combine with the atmospheric moisture?
3. Write two harmful effects of acid rain.

Answer 1

1. The two main gases emitted from industries that contribute to acid rain are sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x).
2. The two main acids formed when these gases react with atmospheric moisture are sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃).
3. Two harmful effects of acid rain are:
   
   • It damages plants, crops, and forests.
   • It corrodes buildings and monuments, especially those made of marble and limestone.