Question

Sulfur oxides have been implicated as important contributors to the problem of acid rain. What is the principal anthropogenic source of these compounds?

Answer 1

The principal anthropogenic contributors to sulfur oxides and thus acid rain are the emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, especially coal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The principal anthropogenic source of sulfur oxides that contribute to acid rain is the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from the combustion of fossil fuels. This often comes from industrial processes such as the burning of coal in power plants and the smelting of metal ores. These emissions react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which fall to the ground as acid rain. Acid rain significantly impacts both the natural environment, by damaging ecosystems and lowering the pH of water bodies, and the man-made environment, by corroding buildings and monuments like the Lincoln Memorial.