Question

Explain the formation of acid rain due to:

Oxides of sulphur

Answer 1

Oxides of sulphur:
Sulphur is a non-metallic element found in coal and fuel oil.
When these fuels are burned, sulphur combines with oxygen in the air to form its gaseous oxides, sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and sulphur trioxide (SO₃).
S + O₂ → SO₂
2SO₂ + O₂ → 2SO₃
Sulphur dioxide and sulphur trioxide react with water to form H₂SO₄ which is the main cause of acid rain.
2SO₂ + O₂ + 2H₂O →2H₂SO₄
SO₃ + H₂O →H₂SO₄