Gary Horner Solutions for Chapter: Consequences, Exercise 13: Summative assessment

Normal rain has a $\mathrm{pH}$ of about $5.6$; it is slightly acidic because carbon dioxide (${\mathrm{CO}}_2$) dissolves into it forming carbonic acid, a weak acid. Acid rain usually has a $\mathrm{pH}$ between 4.2 and 4.4. Acid deposition occurs when sulphur dioxide, ${\mathrm{SO}}_2$ , and nitrogen oxides, ${\mathrm{NO}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ , are emitted into the atmosphere and react with water, oxygen and other chemicals present in the atmosphere. 
a) Write balanced chemical equations for the reactions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen(IV) oxide with water. 
b) Name the acids produced. 
 

Outline the major differences between wet and dry acid deposition.

Describe the differences between strong and weak acids.

Deduce the chemical reaction for the formation of carbonic acid. Classify this as either a strong or weak acid.

Acid rain has a $\mathrm{pH}$ of $4.2$ to $4.4$. This is approximately 1 $\mathrm{pH}$ unit lower than normal rain water. Given your knowledge of the $\mathrm{pH}$ scale, explain how the concentration of hydrogen ions differs between these two solutions. 

Soil acidity plays an important role in optimising the growth of plants. The soil acidity can change as a result of acid rain. Reduced $\mathrm{pH}$ levels can deplete the soil of essential nutrients and minerals. 

Design an experiment to demonstrate how increased soil acidity resulting from acid rain can be diminished or reversed. Your design should include:
● how you will neutralize the effect of the acid rain?

Consequences of human development have posed significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems across the globe. Write a case study related to the consequences of acid rain on either a forest or a body of water of your choice. The case study should respond to the following question:

How can some consequences of acid-rain have far-reaching effects?

Consequences of human development have posed significant threats to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems across the globe. Write a case study related to the consequences of acid rain on either a forest or a body of water of your choice. The case study should respond to the following question:

How might changing environments have positive consequences?