Oxides of which of the following elements is responsible for the acid rain?

Nitrogen and Sulphur

The correct answer is option 2. Nitrogen and Sulphur.

Acid rain is a type of environmental pollution caused by the release of certain pollutants into the atmosphere. The primary contributors to acid rain are oxides of nitrogen \((NOx)\) and sulphur dioxide \((SO_2)\). Here's an explanation of how these pollutants lead to acid rain:

1. Nitrogen Oxides \((NOx)\):

Nitrogen oxides, particularly nitrogen dioxide \((NO_2)\) and nitric oxide \((NO)\), are produced during combustion processes in vehicles and industrial facilities. This includes the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants, and other industrial activities.

2. Sulphur Dioxide \((SO_2)\):

Sulphur dioxide is generated mainly from the burning of fossil fuels that contain sulphur compounds. This occurs in power plants, industrial facilities, and certain types of vehicles, such as those using coal or oil.

3. Formation of Acid Rain:

Both nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide are released into the atmosphere during combustion. Once in the air, these pollutants can undergo chemical reactions and form acidic compounds:

Formation of Sulphuric Acid \((H_2SO_4)\): Sulphur dioxide reacts with oxygen and water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulphuric acid.

Formation of Nitric Acid \((HNO_3)\):  Nitrogen oxides react with atmospheric water vapor to form nitric acid.

4. Transportation and Deposition:

Once formed, sulphuric acid and nitric acid can be transported over long distances by wind, eventually leading to their deposition on the Earth's surface. This deposition can occur through precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or fog) or as dry deposition.

5. Impact on the Environment:

When acid rain falls to the ground, it can have detrimental effects on soil, water bodies, vegetation, and wildlife. Acidification of soil and water bodies can harm aquatic life, damage forests, and affect the nutrient balance in ecosystems.

6. Human Health Impact:

While direct exposure to acid rain is not typically harmful to human health, the pollutants (\(NOx\) and \(SO_2\)) that contribute to acid rain can have adverse effects on respiratory health when present in the air.

Efforts to reduce acid rain involve implementing measures to limit the release of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, such as adopting cleaner technologies, using alternative energy sources, and implementing stricter environmental regulations.