Final answer:
Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides generated from burning fossil fuels are major pollutants that contribute to acid precipitation, or acid rain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acid precipitation, also known as acid rain, is caused by the pollutants sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants are primarily generated from burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the air from industrial processes and motor vehicle exhaust, they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids then combine with precipitation to create acid rain. Although other pollutants like mercury and lead can also contribute to environmental pollution, they are not major contributors to acid precipitation.