Question : Acid rain is primarily caused by emissions of:
Option 1: Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
Option 2: Carbon dioxide and ozone
Option 3: Methane and CFCs
Option 4: Lead and mercury
Correct Answer: Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
Solution : The correct answer is (A) Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides
When fossil fuels are burned, such as in power plants and vehicles, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. These gases undergo chemical reactions in the atmosphere and combine with water, oxygen, and other substances to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids then fall back to Earth as acid rain.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) and ozone (O3) emissions (option B) are associated with other environmental issues, such as climate change and air pollution, but they are not the primary contributors to acid rain.
Methane (CH4) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (option C) are greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming but are not directly responsible for acid rain formation.
Lead (Pb)and mercury (Hg) emissions (option D) are associated with air pollution but are not the primary pollutants that cause acid rain.