Final answer:
Acid deposition, commonly known as acid rain, is primarily caused by the formation of nitric acid and sulfuric acid when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with atmospheric water and oxygen, mostly originating from the combustion of fossil fuels.The correct option is 1) nitric acid and sulfuric acid, formed from nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide
Step-by-step explanation:
Acid deposition, often known as acid rain, results primarily from the presence of nitric and sulfuric acids in the atmosphere, which form through chemical reactions involving water, oxygen, and other chemicals. This occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) react with atmospheric water and oxygen. These gases can originate from both natural sources, such as volcanoes and decaying vegetation, and anthropogenic (human-made) sources, predominantly from the combustion of fossil fuels. The aforementioned gases, upon reacting with water in the atmosphere, form a mild solution of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and nitric acid (HNO₃), leading to acid rain. Acid rain can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic environments, and building materials, and it may also impact human health.
The correct option from the ones provided by the student question is option 1) 'nitric acid and sulfuric acid, formed from nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide'.