What is the primary cause of acid rain?

The primary cause of acid rain is the combination of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides with moisture in the atmosphere. When fossil fuels are burned, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, they release these gases into the air. Sulfur dioxide comes primarily from industrial processes, while nitrogen oxides are mostly produced from vehicle emissions and power plants.

Once in the atmosphere, these gases react with water vapor and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When it rains, this acidic precipitation falls to the ground, leading to harmful effects on the environment, including damage to forests, lakes, and soil, as well as negative impacts on wildlife and human health. This understanding is crucial in addressing air quality issues and mitigating the effects of acid rain on ecosystems.