Question

Which of the following contributes to acid rain?

O the reaction of nonmetal oxides with water.
O the reaction of alkali metals with water.
O the use of volatile acids in industry.
O the reaction of metal oxides with water.
O all of the above

Answer 1

Acid rain is primarily caused by the reaction of nonmetal oxides, like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids. These oxides are often released through the combustion of fossil fuels and other industrial activities. The correct answer is option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

To answer which of the following contributes to acid rain, it is important to understand the chemical processes involved. Acid rain occurs when nonmetal oxides react with water in the atmosphere. These oxides include substances like sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are primarily emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels and other industrial processes.

Metal oxides, unlike nonmetal oxides, generally form bases when they react with water and are not contributors to acid rain.

The reaction of alkali metals with water is a different type of chemical reaction that typically produces a strong base and hydrogen gas, and it is not associated with the formation of acid rain. The use of volatile acids in industry is not a direct cause of acid rain either.

Therefore, the correct option is the reaction of nonmetal oxides with water.