Final answer:
Carbon dioxide is responsible for the natural acidity of rain through the formation of carbonic acid; whereas, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from human activities contribute to acid rain by forming sulfuric and nitric acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The atmospheric component responsible for the natural acidity of rain is carbon dioxide (CO₂). When CO₂ dissolves in atmospheric water, it forms carbonic acid, which contributes to the natural acidity of rain. It is also formed when fires release carbon stored in vegetation or fossil fuels. When carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which contributes to the natural acidity of rain. However, anthropogenic (human-made) causes of acid rain are primarily due to emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from the combustion of fossil fuels, which lead to the formation of sulfuric and nitric acid when they react with water in the atmosphere.