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Chemical composition of acid rain

5 years ago in PhD Proposal/Synopsis By Julius Dabbs

Research Proposal

I want to conduct my research in environmental science and topic I chose pertains to acid rain. What is the chemical composition of acid rain and how we measure the acid rain?

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By Shilpa Answered 5 years ago

The main components of acid rain is mentioned by Riya. Acid rain also consists of nitrate, sulfur dioxide, ammonium , soil dust, and sea salt aerosol. But their percentage varies depending on the location. For example, percentage of nitrate may be 5% in Calif but may be 4% in Central Texas.

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By Riya N Answered 5 years ago

Hey Julius. These days there are very few people who conduct their research in environmental science. You have taken indeed a good decision. Plenty of research needs to be conducted in this field so as to find solution for all environmental problems. Acid rain mainly consists sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), and carbonic acid (H2CO3).

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By Anubhav Kumar Answered 5 years ago

Acidity is measured using a pH scale for which 7.0 is neutral. The lower a substance’s pH (less than 7), the more acidic it is. The higher a substance’s pH (greater than 7), the more alkaline it is. Normal rain has a pH of about 5.6; it is slightly acidic because carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves into it forming weak carbonic acid. Acid rain usually has a pH between 4.2 and 4.4.

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