Question #4a869

1 Answer
Nov 2, 2015

#H_2O# (#l#) + #CO_2# (#g#) = #H_2CO_3# (#aq#)
#H_2O# (#l#) + #H_2CO_3# (#aq#) = #HCO_3^-# (#aq#) + #H_3O^+# (#aq#)

Explanation:

Natural rainwater is already slightly acidic (pH 5.6) due to the presence of #CO_2# in our system (the air that we, humans and animals alike, breathe out and also, a product of organic decomposition).

But the slightly acidic condition is further aggravated by the presence of industrial pollutants like sulfur dioxide (#SO_2#) and nitrogen oxides (#NO_x#), to say the least.

So not only does the above chemical formula to describe acid rain, but you can also use these formulas:

#H_2O# (#l#) + #SO_3# (#g#) = #H_2SO_4# (#aq#)

#H_2O# (#l#) + #2NO_2# (#g#) = #HNO_3# (#aq#) + #HNO_2# (#g#)

Combination of all these acids in our atmosphere can bring about acid rain.