UPSC Prelims 2013·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

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  1. Acarbon dioxide and nitrogen
  2. Bcarbon monoxide and carbon dioxide
  3. Cozone and carbon dioxide
  4. Dnitrous oxide and sulphur dioxideCorrect

Explanation

Acid rain is primarily caused by the release of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulphuric and nitric acids. These acids then fall to the earth as acid rain. Option A: carbon dioxide and nitrogen - While carbon dioxide contributes to climate change, it doesn't directly cause acid rain. Nitrogen, in its elemental form, is relatively inert. Option B: carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide - Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, and carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, but neither directly causes acid rain. Option C: ozone and carbon dioxide - Ozone is a component of smog and protects us from UV radiation. Carbon dioxide, as mentioned before, is a greenhouse gas. Option D: nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide - Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are the primary pollutants responsible for acid rain. SO2 comes from burning fossil fuels containing sulfur, and NOx from high-temperature combustion processes. Therefore, the correct answer is D.
geography: Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by

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