UPSC Prelims 2010·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Consider the following: 1. Oxides of Hydrogen 2. Oxides of Nitrogen 3. Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?

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  1. A1 and 2 only
  2. B3 only
  3. C2 and 3 onlyCorrect
  4. D1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is C because acid rain is primarily caused by chemical reactions involving compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides when they are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid rain. Specifically, Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Oxides of Sulphur (SOx) react with water vapor to form nitric acid and sulfuric acid respectively. Oxides of Hydrogen, such as H2O (water), are the medium in which these reactions occur but are not the pollutants that cause the acidity. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
geography: Consider the following: 1. Oxides of Hydrogen 2. Oxides of Nitrogen 3. Oxides of Sulphur Which of the above causes/cause

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