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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

Acid rain is caused mainly by oxides of sulfur together with oxides of:

Answer: nitrogen.

  • A carbon
  • B nitrogen
  • C hydrogen
  • D helium

Correct answer: B. nitrogen

Explanation: SO₂ and NOₓ dissolve in rain to form sulfuric and nitric acids, lowering its pH.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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