Acid rain is caused by the pollution of environment by:

The correct answer is Nitrous oxide and Sulphur dioxide.

Key Points

• Nitrous oxide (NOx) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) are the primary pollutants that cause acid rain.
• When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3).
• Acid rain can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure.
• It also contributes to the acidification of soils and water bodies, leading to long-term environmental damage.

Important Points

• Acid rain was first identified in the 1850s by Scottish chemist Robert Angus Smith.
• The phenomena of acid rain gained attention in the 20th century with industrialization and increased fossil fuel combustion.
• International agreements, such as the Gothenburg Protocol, aim to reduce acid rain by controlling emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.