Term
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Definition
| Acidic particles or gases that deposit or fall on Earth |
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Term
| What are the most common acidic gases? |
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Definition
| Oxides of sulphur and oxides of nitrogen |
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Term
| What is the pH value of rain water? |
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Definition
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Term
| Why is rain water acidic? |
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Definition
| Dissolved carbon dioxide creates carbonic acid (HCO3) |
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Term
| What is the definition of acid rain? |
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Definition
| Any rain with pH lower than 5.6 |
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Term
| What does sulphur dioxide produce in the presence of water? |
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Definition
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Term
| What factors lead to the oxidisation of sulphur dioxide? |
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Definition
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Term
| Give the formula for the oxidisation of sulfur dioxide into sulphur trioxide. |
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Definition
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Term
| What happens to oxides of sulphur in the presence of water? |
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Definition
| They can be converted to sulphuric acid |
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Term
| What happens to nitrogen dioxide in the absence of oxygen? |
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Definition
| With water, it forms nitrous acid (HNO2) and nitric acid (HNO3). |
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Term
| What factor can accelerate the formation of nitric acid? |
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Definition
| Hydroxyl free radical (OH) from smog |
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Term
| What are common side effects of acid rain on humans? |
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Definition
| Irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes |
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Term
| What component of acid rain may lead to Alzheimer's? |
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Definition
| Increased concentrations of aqueous Al (III) |
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Term
| What are two side effects of highly concentrated aqueous Al (III)? |
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Definition
| Can affect gill function in fish, may cause Alzheimer's |
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Term
| What material is most affected by acid rain? |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
| Insoluble carbonates are converted to more soluble ones which can dissolve in water and damage stone. |
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Term
| What are other effects of acid rain on materials? |
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Definition
| Corrosion of iron and steel, deterioration of electrical equipment, bleaching and weakening of fabrics and leather, heavy toxic metals in water |
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Term
| What are the effects of acid rain on plants? |
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Definition
| Bleaching and yellowing of leaves, suppression of growth and removal of important nutrients (e.g. magnesium) |
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Term
| What are effects on visibility? |
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Definition
| Sulfuric acid and sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere can cause loss of visibility and can curtail air flights |
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Term
| What are common methods for prevention? |
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Definition
| Catalytic converters, control of air to fuel ratio, pre-combustion methods; alternative energy sources, adding lime to soil and lakes. |
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