Question

Limestone is made of calcium carbonate. Why would areas with limestone bedrock be less affected by acid rain than areas with other types of bedrock?

a) Limestone neutralizes acid rain due to its alkaline nature.
b) Limestone promotes the formation of acid rain-resistant minerals.
c) Limestone inhibits the chemical reactions that lead to acid rain.
d) Limestone enhances the absorption of acid rain by soil.

Answer 1

Limestone bedrock, due to its calcium carbonate composition, reacts with acid rain to neutralize it, resulting in less impact on the environment in comparison to areas without this natural buffer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Areas with limestone bedrock are less affected by acid rain primarily because limestone, which is composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), acts as a buffer. When acid rain, which contains strong acids like sulfuric acid (H2SO4), comes into contact with limestone, a chemical reaction occurs where the limestone neutralizes the acid. The equation for this reaction is CaCO3 (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → CaSO4 (aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g). This reaction essentially helps to limit the impact of acid rain in areas with limestone bedrock, as opposed to areas without such a natural buffer system, where the effects of acid rain can be more severe on the environment and man-made structures.