Acid rain is caused by release of _ and __ into the air.

A. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide

B. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides

C. Oxygen and water vapour

D. Nitrous oxide and ozone

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

NTPC Tier I Previous Paper 16 (Held On: 11 Apr 2016 Shift 2)

Attempt Online

Answer 1

Oxides of sulphur and nitrogen are released into the atmosphere through the burning of coal, timber, and fuel oils.
Acids like sulphuric acid, nitric acid, nitrous acid, etc. are formed when oxides mix with rainwater.
Mixing of acid with raindrops and snowflakes causes acid rain.
Effects of acid rain:

The acidity of soil and water bodies increases due to acid rain. It harms the aquatic organisms, plants, and entire forest life. Total ecosystems are adversely affected.
Erosion of buildings, busts, historical monuments, bridges, metal idols, wire fences, etc. occurs due to acid rain.
Due to acid rain heavy metals like mercury and cadmium are absorbed up by plants. Their entry into the food chain indirectly harms the environment.
Due to acidification of water in water bodies and pipes, leaching of metal and plastic material occurs in water and thereby serious health problems arise.