Acid Rain: Chemical Reactions in the Sky

Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water in the air.
These gases often come from burning coal, oil, and gasoline.
The reaction creates acids like sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
Acid rain lowers the pH of rainwater, making it more acidic than normal.
It damages forests by leaching nutrients from soils.
Lakes and rivers can become too acidic for fish and wildlife.
Acid rain corrodes buildings, especially those made of limestone or marble.
Emission controls on power plants and cars help reduce acid rain.
Natural rain is slightly acidic, but acid rain is far stronger.
Understanding these reactions helps protect ecosystems and human-made structures.