Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry · Syllabus 0620 · Chemistry of the Environment
Acid Rain
What is Acid Rain?
Rain made acidic by pollutant gases dissolved in atmospheric water. Sulfur dioxide, released when fossil fuels containing sulfur compounds are burned, and oxides of nitrogen, formed in car engines, are the two pollutants responsible. Acid rain damages buildings and structures made of limestone and of metal, and harms trees and life in lakes and rivers.
This definition is part of the Chemistry of the Environment chapter in Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry.
Common mistakes with Acid Rain
- “Carbon dioxide causes acid rain.” Defect The effect belongs to a different pollutant. Chemistry Acid rain is caused by sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen. The named effect of carbon dioxide is increased global warming and climate change. Repair Learn the pairs in blocks: climate for \(\mathrm{CO_2}\) and \(\mathrm{CH_4}\); acid rain for \(\mathrm{SO_2}\) and NOx. Transfer A limestone statue is eroding. Which two pollutants? Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.
- “Sulfur dioxide is the main cause of global warming.” Defect The mirror image of the previous error. Chemistry Sulfur dioxide causes acid rain. The greenhouse gases named in this topic are carbon dioxide and methane. Repair Two gases for climate, two for acid rain — and none in both. Transfer Which control targets sulfur dioxide? Low-sulfur fuels, or flue gas desulfurisation with calcium oxide.