The Question is from neet-chemistry environmental-chemistry , and it was created by the author Mr. S M HUSSAIN

Question

Which of the following is NOT a major contributor to acid rain?

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Acid rain formation
 **Related Topics**: Air pollution, environmental chemistry
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of chemical reactions, particularly those involving oxides of sulfur and nitrogen.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks to identify a substance that does not significantly contribute to acid rain.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Identify the major contributors to acid rain.
  Reasoning: Acid rain is primarily caused by the release of sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) and nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) into the atmosphere. These gases react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid ($H_2SO_4$) and nitric acid ($HNO_3$), respectively.  These acids then fall to the earth as precipitation.
  Formula/Rule:  $SO_2 + H_2O ightarrow H_2SO_3$ (sulfurous acid), which further oxidizes to $H_2SO_4$ (sulfuric acid).  $NO_x + H_2O ightarrow HNO_3$ (nitric acid)
 2. Analyze the given options.
  Working:  Sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) and nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) are known contributors. Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) contributes to global warming but is a weaker acid than $SO_2$ and $NO_x$ and therefore plays a less significant role in acid rain. Ammonia ($NH_3$) is a base, and while it can react in the atmosphere, it does not contribute to the acidity of rain.
  Key Point: The strength of an acid depends on its ability to donate protons ($H^+$). Sulfuric and nitric acids are strong acids.
 3. Determine the non-contributor.
  Result: Ammonia ($NH_3$) is a weak base and does not contribute to the acidity of rain.
  Verification:  The other options are well-established contributors to acid rain.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Sulfur dioxide is a major contributor to acid rain.
B :x: Nitrogen oxides are a major contributor to acid rain.
C ✓: Ammonia is a base, not an acid, and does not contribute to acid rain.
D :x: Carbon dioxide contributes to global warming and ocean acidification, but is a relatively weaker contributor to acid rain compared to sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing ammonia with acidic gases: Remember ammonia is a base. [Avoid by understanding acid-base chemistry]
  2.Overlooking the relative contribution: While $CO_2$ contributes to acidity, it is significantly less impactful than $SO_2$ and $NO_x$. [Avoid by focusing on the relative strengths of acids involved in acid rain].
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the key acid-forming gases: $SO_2$ and $NO_x$.
  2.Ammonia is a base, not an acid.

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Sulfur dioxide

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Nitrogen oxides

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

The correct Option is "Ammonia"

Mr. S M HUSSAIN · Answer

Carbon dioxide

NEET Chemistry Environmental Chemistry MCQs

Select Topic

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company