Acid Rain- Article Questions
What do they mean by visibility degradation?
the ability to see is decreasing by the acidity of the air (haze and smog created)
What is a more accurate term for acid rain?
Acid Deposition (wet and dry)
Which fossil fuel accounts for most of the emissions?
Coal
What are scrubbers?
Devices that chemically remove the SO₂ from the gasses leaving the smokestack
What is the cause of these pollutants?
Generating electric powers and burning fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil
How can acid rain Affect human health?
It can cause asthma, bronchitis, heart problems, and respiratory problems
What is dry deposition?
It refers to acidic gases and particles. About half of the acidity in the atmosphere falls back to earth through dry deposition. The wind blows these acidic particles and gases onto buildings, cars, homes, and trees.
What is wet deposition?
It refers to acidic rain, fog, and snow. As this acidic water flows over and through the ground, it affects a variety of plants and animals.
What is "liming"?
Limestone added to acidic lakes to "cancel out" the acidity (neutralize)
What are two more, affordable, sources of energy besides burning fossil fuels?
Nuclear power and hydropower
What are the two primary pollutants that create acid rain?
Sulfur Dioxide and Nitrogen Oxide
How does the pH of acid rain compare to pure water and normal rain pH?
The pH of acid rain is about 4.3, pure water is 7, normal rain is about 5.5
How does the EPA track changes in the environment caused by acid rain?
They collect air and water samples and measure them for various characteristics like pH and chemical composition, and they research the effects of acid decomposition on human-made materials such as marble and bronze. Finally, scientists work to understand the effects of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides on human health
What are someways that you could conserve energy?
Turn of lights, only use electric appliances when you need them, and carpool
How long does it take for an ecosystem to recover from acid decomposition?
Visibility may improve quickly, but chemical changes may take decades to heal
