#Acid Deposition & Acid Precipitation: The Ultimate Study Guide

Hey AP Environmental Science superstar! Let's break down acid deposition and precipitation so you're totally ready to rock the exam. Think of this as your go-to guide for a quick, confident review. Let's get started!

#Introduction to Acid Deposition and Precipitation

Key Concept

#Key Vocabulary

Acid Deposition: The general term for acids falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.
Acid Precipitation: Specifically, acidic rain, snow, or fog.
Nitric Acid (HNO3): A strong acid formed from nitrogen oxides.
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4): A strong acid formed from sulfur dioxide.
Nitric Salts: Compounds formed when nitrogen oxides react with other substances in the atmosphere.
Sulfates: Compounds formed when sulfur dioxide reacts with other substances in the atmosphere.
Acidification: The process of becoming more acidic.

#Formation of Acid Deposition and Precipitation

#Dry Deposition

What it is: NOx (from vehicles and burning coal) and SO2 (from burning coal and volcanoes) are released into the atmosphere.
How it forms: These pollutants react with ammonia gas to form nitric salts and sulfates.
What it looks like: These can fall as a gas, particulate, or aerosol. Think of it as the 'dusty' version of acid rain.

#Wet Deposition (Acid Rain/Snow)

What it is: NOx and SO2 undergo chemical reactions with water in the atmosphere.
How it forms: These reactions create nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
What it looks like: These acids dissolve in rain and snow, falling to the ground as acid precipitation. Think of it as the 'wet' version of acid rain.

Acid Rain

Liam Thomas