How can oxides of nitrogen cause acid rain?
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain.
How is acid rain formed equation?
Formation of acid rain: Sulphur dioxide accounts for most of the acid rain problems. (b) Sulphur dioxide can react with oxygen and water to form sulphuric acid. 2SO2(g) + O2(g) + 2H2O(I) → 2H2SO4(aq) Acid rain occurs when the pH of rain water falls between 2.0 to 5.5.
How do nitrogen based fertilizers cause acid rain?
Nitric acid rain is derived primarily from power plant, car and truck emissions as well as from gases released by fertilizer use. The gas rises into the air and is deposited dry or in rainfall where in the ground bacteria breaks it into nitrogen and nitric acid, which can kill fish and plants.
Is no2 involved in acid rain formation?
NO2 and other NOx interact with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Acid rain harms sensitive ecosystems such as lakes and forests.
Are nitrogen oxides acidic?
Nitrogen dioxide is an acidic gas and produce an acidic solution in the water (mixture of acids). Otherwise, we can say, NO2 is one of the strong acidic gas in chemistry. Nitrogen dioxide is an acidic gas.
Why are nitrogen oxides acidic?
These nitrogen oxides can be acidic, basic and neutral in nature depending on the oxidation state of nitrogen in that oxide because as the oxidation state increases the acidic character of the oxide increases and vice versa. So, as we know that greater the oxidation state of nitrogen, more will be its acidic strength.
How acidic is acid rain?
Typical acid rain has a pH value of 4.0. A decrease in pH values from 5.0 to 4.0 means that the acidity is 10 times greater.
What contributes the most to acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) released into the air by fossil-fuel power plants, vehicles and oil refineries are the biggest cause of acid rain today, according to the EPA. Two thirds of sulfur dioxide and one fourth of nitrogen oxide found in the atmosphere come from electric power generators.
How is nitrogen oxide formed?
Nitrogen oxide (NOx) is a chemical compound of oxygen and nitrogen that is formed by reacting with each other during combustion at high temperatures, mainly combustion of fuel such as oil, diesel, gas and organic matter.
Is nitrogen oxide the same as nitrous oxide?
Nitrogen is a molecule composed of two nitrogen atoms, while nitrous oxide is a chemical compound of two nitrogen molecules and one oxygen molecule. Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas with a slightly sweet odour and taste.
Which of the oxide of nitrogen is acidic?
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is a reddish-brown poisonous gas with a pungent smell, and contributes greatly to air pollution all around the world. It is acidic in nature with +4 nitrogen oxidation state.