Question

Which of the following is an effect of acid rain?

a) plants absorb water more easily
b) air quality decreases
c) surfaces of buildings, statues, rocks, and leaves are damaged
d) heat from the sun is absorbed more quickly by the atmosphere

Answer 1

Acid rain damages surfaces of buildings, statues, rocks, and leaves by contributing to their decay through acidification. It also affects trees and depletes soil nutrients, making the environment more susceptible to damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The effect of acid rain on the environment can be quite destructive. Among the options provided, the correct effect is that the surfaces of buildings, statues, rocks, and leaves are damaged.

This occurs because acid rain contributes to the acidification of lakes and streams, degrades marble statues, and accelerates the decay of building materials and paints, including culturally significant sculptures.

Acid rain also affects ecosystems by making trees more susceptible to drought and insect infestation, as well as depleting soil nutrients. When sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NOx), the primary components of acid rain, combine with water, they form acids that can severely damage both the natural environment and manmade structures.