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acid rain

Definition

Acid rain is rain that is more acidic than normal rain. It is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels. These gases react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form acids.

Acid rain can be harmful to the environment. It can damage trees, lakes, and even buildings. It can also make people sick.

Here are some of the things that acid rain can do:

  • Damage trees: Acid rain can make trees more susceptible to disease and pests. It can also make the leaves of trees turn yellow and fall off.
  • Acidify lakes: Acid rain can lower the pH of lakes, making it difficult for fish and other aquatic life to survive.
  • Damage buildings: Acid rain can corrode metal and stone, causing damage to buildings and other structures.
  • Make people sick: Acid rain can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It can also make people more susceptible to respiratory infections.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce acid rain, including:

  • Using cleaner fuels: Burning cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, can reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
  • Installing pollution controls: Pollution controls can be installed on factories and power plants to reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides released into the atmosphere.
  • Protecting forests: Protecting forests can help to reduce the amount of acid rain that reaches the ground.

How can the word be used?

The rain in this area is acidic, which is harmful to the environment.

acid rain

Different forms of the word

Noun:

acid rain (plural: acid rains).

precipitation that has a pH below 5.6.

a form of pollution caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Adjective:

  • acid-rain.
  • relating to or caused by acid rain.

Verb:

  • acidify.
  • to make something acidic.

Etymology

The word acid is derived from the Latin word acidus, which means "sour". In entomology, the word acid can be used to refer to a substance that is produced by some insects and that can be used for defense or for communication.

Question

How can acid rain impact the environment?