Question

Why is rain water always somewhat acidic?

Select all that apply!

a. Because the carbon dioxide in the air mixes with it to form carbonic acid.
b. Because the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are at an all-time high.
c. Because nitrous oxide released from burning petroleum mixes with it to form nitric acid.
d. Because sulfur dioxide released from burning petroleum mixes with it to form sulfuric acid.

Answer 1

a.Because the Carbon dioxide in the air mixes it to form carbonic acid

Answer 2

Answer: a. Because the carbon dioxide in the air mixes with it to form carbonic acid and d. Because sulfur dioxide released from burning petroleum mixes with it to form sulfuric acid.

Explanation:

`CO_2+H_2O\rightarrow H_2CO_3`

`SO_2+H_2O\rightarrow H_2SO_3`, which oxides in air to form
`H_2SO_4`

Thus carbonic acid
`H_2CO_3` and sulphuric acid
`H_2SO_4` mixes with rain to form acid rain.

Nitrogen monoxide
`NO` and not nitrous oxide
`N_2O` forms nitric acid.