Question

1. Explain how atmospheric sulfur trioxide (SO₃) decreases the pH of water in clouds and rain.

2. Explain how atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) decreases the pH of water in clouds and rain.

3. Carbon dioxide in the air is acidifying the world's oceans. Describe how carbon dioxide in the air causes the pH of ocean water to decrease through a series of physical and chemical transformations.

Answer 1

(A) Sulfur trioxide SO3 when reacted to water then it produced a very strong acid that is sulphuric acid so sulphuric acid decreases the pH of rai water.

SO3 + H2O ---> H2SO4

(B) Similarly in part a when NO2 react to water then it produves a very strong acid that is Nitric acid and by mixing of nitric acid in water the pH of rainwater decreases.

NO2 + H2O ----> HNO3 (Nitric acid)

(C)air have some moisture that is called humidity humidity is nothing this os th water droplets suspended in air. When Carbon dioxide is releases in atmospheee it comes in the contact of moisture by coming in contact is forms Carbonic acid after reaction. This carbonic acid rain fall in oceand due to high humidity whuch results in decreasing of the pH.

CO2 + H2O ----> HCO3 (Carbonic acid)