What is Acid Rain Questions
Dean Harris
What is acid rain?
Acid rain is any form of rain that is more acidic than normal.
Explain the pH difference between acid rain and pure water:
Pure water has a pH of 7, normal rainfall has a pH of a bit less than 7, but acid rain can have a pH of
about 5.0-5.5, and even in the 4 range in the northeastern United States.
Describe the major cause of acid rain:
Pollution
Why is acid rain of particular interest?
Damaging our environment
What are the main chemicals in air pollution that create acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
How long do the chemical reactions take that change air pollution into acid rain?
Several hours to several days
What did the US government do at first to reduce the pollution from smokestacks?
To reduce this pollution, the government passed a law permitting the construction of very tall
smokestacks. At that time, people thought that if the pollution were sent high into the air it would
no longer be a problem.
How successful was this government action?
Created more pollution
Which region of the Continental United States is most affected by acid rain?
Northeast
Which region is the least affected by acid rain?
West of Mississippi