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Difficulty: EasyAir Pollutants, Photochemical Smog, and Acid Rain

Marble monuments and historical stone structures located near industrial regions often undergo rapid deterioration due to acidic rainfall. Which primary air pollutant reacts with atmospheric oxygen and water to produce tetraoxosulfate(VI) acid (H2SO4H_2SO_4), causing this environmental degradation?

  1. Sulfur(IV) oxideAnswer
  2. B
    Carbon(IV) oxide
  3. C
    Chlorofluorocarbon
  4. D
    Methane

Answer

Sulfur(IV) oxide is the primary air pollutant that dissolves and oxidizes in atmospheric moisture to form tetraoxosulfate(VI) acid (H2SO4H_2SO_4), causing acid rain.
Sulfur(IV) oxide (SO2SO_2) emitted from power plants and factories reacts with oxygen and water in the atmosphere to form tetraoxosulfate(VI) acid (H2SO4H_2SO_4). This strong acid lowers rainfall pH and reacts with calcium carbonate (CaCO3CaCO_3) in marble, causing structural weathering.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the chemical pollutant associated with tetraoxosulfate(VI) acid formation.
Sulfur(IV) oxide (SO2SO_2) is produced during the combustion of sulfur-containing fossil fuels.
Atmospheric oxidation converts SO2SO_2 into SO3SO_3, which then dissolves in water vapor to yield sulfuric acid (H2SO4H_2SO_4).
2
Differentiate acid rain precursors from greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances.
Sulfur(IV) oxide is specifically an acid rain precursor, while carbon(IV) oxide and methane are greenhouse gases, and CFCs are ozone depleters.
Connecting specific environmental impacts to their corresponding atmospheric pollutants ensures accurate identification.

Key Concept

Acid Rain Formation from Sulfur Oxides
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Air Pollutants, Photochemical Smog, and Acid Rain

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