IA Exploration Chemistry
Unit – Acids, Bases and Salts; Rate of Reaction
Topic – Corrosion of Marble due to Acid Rain
Tentative Research Question – How does the Acidity of Rain affect the rate of
corrosion in marble, particularly monuments subjected to acidic and harsh
conditions such as in the Taj Mahal in Agra, India and the Leaning Tower of
Pisa, Pisa, Italy?
Justification – Monuments are an important and irreplaceable part of any
culture. Countries pride themselves on these monuments and quite often, if
not always, have these monuments become their mascots and icons on a
global scale. These monuments are generally made with white marble and
limestone as these were the wonder-materials that helped improve aesthetic
but were also solid in nature. However, in today’s world, pollution is on the
rise and acid rain has become more common. While governments are making
sure that it doesn’t affect major modern infrastructure, these precious
monuments are generally left in the dust. The impact of the acidity of the rain
can and will help governments in preserving these monuments.