What's the difference between acid rain and normal rain?

Question

Nathan Abbe · Accepted Answer

Acid rain has a lower pH than "normal" rain.

Rain is naturally somewhat acidic with a pH between 5.0-5.5 typically. Acid rain has a pH that is below this: 4.4-4.2.

See these related questions on how acid rain forms and what the formula for acid rain is.

Julia Acosta · Answer

undefined Acid rain has a lower pH level than normal rain due to the presence of pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which react with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Normal rain has a pH level around 5.6, while acid rain can have a pH level below 5.0.

HIX Tutor · Answer

undefined Great question! Let's think about it step by step.

1. **What is normal rain?**
   - Normal rain is water that falls from clouds. It is mostly just water.

2. **What is acid rain?**
   - Acid rain is rain that has more acids in it. This happens when pollution mixes with rainwater.

3. **Where do the acids come from?**
   - The acids come from things like factories, cars, and volcanoes. They release gases into the air.

4. **How does this change the rain?**
   - These gases mix with water in clouds. Then, when it rains, the rain has some acid in it.

5. **What are the effects?**
   - Normal rain is good for plants and animals. Acid rain can hurt them. It can damage trees, lakes, and buildings.

So, the main difference is that acid rain has more acid because of pollution, while normal rain is just water! Does that help?