Question

Explain the effect of sulphur dioxide on the atmosphere.

Answer 1

Harmful effects of oxides of sulphur:

It causes headaches, vomiting and even death due to respiratory failure.

It destroys vegetation and weakens building materials/constructions.

It mixes with smoke and fog to form smog, which is very harmful.

It is oxidised by atmospheric oxygen into sulphur trioxide (SO₃) which combines with water to form sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄). Sulphuric acid is the cause of acid rain.

2SO_2(g)  + O_2(g) → 2SO_3(g)

SO_3(g) + H₂O →H₂SO_4(aq)