Acid Rain Webquest
Name: _________________________________
Date: _____________
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are gases released by the burning of fossil fuels. These gases
can react with water and oxygen to form acids. Normally, rainwater is slightly acidic. But the
additional acid that enters the air when fuels are burned makes it even more acidic. Acid rain can
have a harmful effect on fish and other wildlife and upsets the delicate balance of a forest or
aquatic ecosystem. The good news is that it works the other way, too. Decreasing car and factory
emissions can reduce acid rain and help wildlife. In this activity, you'll find out more about what
acid rain is, where the problem is most severe, and what YOU can do to help.
1. First, let's take a look at which parts of the country are having the biggest acid rain
problem. View a color-coded pH map of the United States. The darker orange colors
represent the lowest pH in rain. Which states have the worst acid rain problem? What is
the pH of the rain in our state/area?
(http://www.tyler.sprnet.org/Schools/Moore/Teachers/rasurec/Webquest/pHField.pdf)
2. Next, go to the EPA's What is Acid Rain? page. What is the difference between wet
deposition and dry deposition? (http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/what/index.html)
3. How do the compounds that cause acid rain spread from their source?
4. The two main gases that cause acid rain are _______________________ and
_________________________.
5. What percentage of each of the two gases you listed in Question 4 comes from electric
power generation that relies on the burning of fossil fuels like coal?
6. Describe what happens when the two gases react in the atmosphere with water.
7. The result of the reaction you described in question 6 is a mild solution of
______________________ acid and _____________________ acid.
8. Go to the Measuring Acid Rain page. After reading the first two paragraphs, go to What
is pH?. Scroll to chart of the pH of common household substances. Complete this pH
table:
(http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/measure/index.html)
(http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/measure/ph.html)
Item
pH
Acid or Base?
Normal rain
Acid rain
Lemonade
Apple
Milk
Ammonia
9. Next, you'll learn more about the Effects of Acid Rain. Click the links below to complete
the Acid Rain Effects table: (http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/effects/index.html)
Acid Rain Effect
On:
Surface waters
Forests
Automotive
coatings
Materials
Visibility
Human health
Description of Effect