6.4.1

Acid Deposition

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Acid Deposition

Whilst rainwater is naturally acidic, sulphur and nitrogen oxides dissolve in rainwater to further lower the pH and produce acid rain.

Illustrative background for Acidity of natural rainwaterIllustrative background for Acidity of natural rainwater ?? "content

Acidity of natural rainwater

  • Rainwater naturally has a pH of around 5.6 due to the presence of dissolved CO2 forming carbonic acid:
    • CO2(g) + H2O(l) ⇌ H2CO3(aq)
    • H2CO3(aq) ⇌ HCO3-(aq) + H+(aq)
Illustrative background for Acid pollutionIllustrative background for Acid pollution ?? "content

Acid pollution

  • Human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels, releases non-metal oxide gases such as sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
  • These are acidic gases and dissolve in rainwater to lower the pH below 5.6 and produce acid rain.
  • Wet acid deposition (acid rain) is when the pH of rainwater drops below 5.6.
  • The acidic pollutants can also become incorporated into dust or smoke and fall to the ground as dry deposition.
Illustrative background for Nitrogen oxidesIllustrative background for Nitrogen oxides ?? "content

Nitrogen oxides

  • Nitrogen oxides are produced by the combination of nitrogen and oxygen under the high temperatures and pressures in a combustion engine.
  • In this process, nitrogen first combines with oxygen to form nitrogen monoxide:
    • N2(g) + O2(g) → 2NO(g)
  • Reactive nitrogen monoxide is then further oxidised to form nitrogen dioxide:
    • 2NO(g) + O2(g) → 2NO2(g)
Illustrative background for Formation of nitric and nitrous acidIllustrative background for Formation of nitric and nitrous acid ?? "content

Formation of nitric and nitrous acid

  • Nitrogen dioxide gas reacts with rainwater in the presence of more oxygen to produce nitric acid:
    • 4NO2(g) + 2H2O(l) + O2(g) → 4HNO3(aq)
  • Alternatively, nitrogen dioxide can react directly with water to produce a mixture of nitric acid and nitrous acid:
    • 2NO2(g) + H2O(l) → HNO3(aq) + HNO2(aq)
Illustrative background for Sulphur oxidesIllustrative background for Sulphur oxides ?? "content

Sulphur oxides

  • Sulphur oxides are produced when fossil fuels containing sulfur impurities (mainly coal or oil) are burned.
  • The sulphur impurities combust in the oxygen to form mainly sulphur dioxide:
    • S(g) + O2(g) → SO2(g)
  • SO2 can also further react with O2 to form SO3
    • 2SO2(g) + O2(g) → 2SO3(g)
Illustrative background for Formation of sulphuric acidIllustrative background for Formation of sulphuric acid ?? "content

Formation of sulphuric acid

  • SO2 reacts with water to produce sulphuric (IV) acid:
    • SO2(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO3(aq)
  • SO3 reacts with water to produce sulphuric (VI) acid:
    • SO3(g) + H2O(l) → H2SO4(aq)

Effects of Acid Deposition

Acid deposition can have detrimental effects on human health and ecosystems.

Illustrative background for Human healthIllustrative background for Human health ?? "content

Human health

  • Fine sulphate and nitrate particles are produced from acid rain.
  • These particles when inhaled cause irritation in the respiratory tract.
  • This irritation can increase trigger respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema.
Illustrative background for SoilIllustrative background for Soil ?? "content

Soil

  • Acid rain lowers the pH of the soil and some organisms cannot tolerate this low pH so their population decreases.
  • The increased acidity of the soil increases the solubility of important nutrients such as Ca2+ and K+.
  • These ions are leached from the soil and become less available for the plants.
Illustrative background for WaterIllustrative background for Water ?? "content

Water

  • The ecological effects of acid rain are evident in aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes and marshes.
  • Many organisms cannot tolerate decreased pH and many fish eggs cannot hatch below pH 5.
  • Low pH levels cause leaching of toxic aluminum ions, which run into streams and lakes.
Illustrative background for Materials - calcium carbonateIllustrative background for Materials - calcium carbonate ?? "content

Materials - calcium carbonate

  • Many buildings and statues are made of limestone, which consists of mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
  • Calcium carbonate reacts with the acids in acid rain to produce soluble salts:
    • CaCO3(s) + 2HNO3(aq) → Ca(NO3)2(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
    • CaCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → CaSO4(aq) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
  • Over the years this causes damage to the structures as the limestone is worn away by the reactions with acids.
Illustrative background for Materials - metal structuresIllustrative background for Materials - metal structures ?? "content

Materials - metal structures

  • Acid rain causes metal structures to corrode as the metals become oxidised on reacting with acids in the rainwater:
    • Fe(s) + H2SO4(aq) → FeSO4(aq) + H2(g)

Jump to other topics

1Structure - Models of the Particulate of Matter

1.1Introduction to the Particulate Model of Matter

1.1.1States of Matter

1.1.2Kinetic Molecular Theory

1.1.3Simple Sphere

1.1.4Changing State

1.1.5Forces Between Particles

1.1.6Changes of State

1.1.7Predicting States

1.1.8Changing State HyperLearning

1.1.9Ionization Energy

1.2The Nuclear Atom

1.2.1Fundamental Particles

1.2.2Isotopes & Mass Number

1.2.3Mass Spectrometry

1.2.4Mass Spectrometry

1.2.5Mass Spectroscopy - Analysis

1.2.6Extended Response - Mass Spectrometry

1.2.7Radioactivity

1.3Electron Configuration

1.3.1Electron Shells, Sub-Shells & Orbitals

1.3.2Electron Configuration

1.3.3Absorption & Emission Spectra

1.3.4IB Multiple Choice - Atomic Structure

1.3.5Extended Response - The Atom & Electrons

1.4Counting Particles by Mass: The Mole

1.4.1Relative Masses

1.4.2The Mole

1.4.3IB Multiple Choice - Moles

1.5Ideal Gases

1.5.1Ideal Gas Equation

1.5.2Gas Laws

1.5.3IB Multiple Choice - Gases & Kinetics

1.6Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

1.6.1Fundamental Particles

1.6.2Pure Substances

1.6.3Purity & The Law of Definite Proportion

1.6.4Mixtures

1.6.5Separating Mixtures

1.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Pure Substances

1.6.7Extended Response - Moles & Pure Substances

1.7States of Matter & Changes of State

1.7.1States of Matter

1.7.2Particle Diagrams

1.7.3IB Multiple Choice - Solids, Liquids, & Gases

1.7.4Balancing Equations & Ionic Equations

1.7.5Empirical & Molecular Formulas

1.8Reacting Masses &. Volumes

1.8.1Balancing Equations & Ionic Equations

1.8.2Percentage Yield

1.9Solutions

1.9.1Molarity

1.9.2Particulate Model of Solutions

2Structure - Models of Bonding & Structure

2.1The Ionic Model

2.1.1Ionic Bonding

2.2The Covalent Model

2.2.1Covalent Bonds

2.2.2Complex Ions

2.2.3Factors Affecting Covalent Bond Strength

2.2.4Polarity

2.3Covalent Structures

2.3.1Ionic Lewis Structures

2.3.2Covalent Lewis Structures

2.3.3VSEPR Theory

2.3.4Resonance Structures

2.3.5Allotropes of Carbon

2.3.6Formal Charge

2.3.7End of Topic Quiz - Bonding

2.3.8IB Multiple Choice - Bonding & Lewis Structures

2.3.9IB Multiple Choice - Resonance & Formal Charge

2.4The Metallic Model

2.4.1Metallic Bonding

2.5From Models to Materials

2.5.1Alloys

2.5.2Properties of Polymers

2.5.3Polymerisation Reactions

2.5.4Introduction to Alkenes

2.5.5Reactions of Alkenes

2.5.6End of Topic Quiz - Alkenes

2.6Valence Electrons & Ionic Compounds

2.6.1Valence Electrons & Forming Ions

2.6.2Ionic Compounds

2.6.3End of Topic Quiz - Atoms & Ions

2.6.4IB Multiple Choice - Valence & Ions

2.7Molecular Shape

2.7.1VSEPR

2.7.2Molecular Shapes

2.7.3Bond Hybridization

2.7.4IB Multiple Choice - VSEPR & Bond Hybridization

2.7.5Extended Response - Bonding & Molecular Shape

2.8Intermolecular Forces

2.8.1Introduction to Intermolecular Forces

2.8.2London Dispersion Forces

2.8.3Dipole-Dipole Interactions

2.8.4Ion-Dipole Interactions

2.8.5Hydrogen Bonding

2.8.6Large Biomolecules

2.8.7IB Multiple Choice - Intermolecular Forces

2.8.8Extended Response - Hydrogen Bonding

3Structure - Classification of Matter

3.1The Periodic Table: Classification of Elements

3.1.1The Periodic Table

3.1.2Trends in the Periodic Table

3.1.3End of Topic Quiz - Periodicity & Trends

3.1.4Periodic Trends - Electronegativity & Affinity

3.1.5End of Topic Quiz - Periodic Trends

3.1.6IB Multiple Choice - Periodic Trends

3.1.7Extended Response - Periodic Table

3.2Periodic Trends

3.2.1Atomic & Ionic Radii

3.2.2Ionisation & Electronegativity

3.2.3Metallic Behaviour & Oxides

3.2.4Period 3 Elements & Oxides

3.2.5Period 3 Oxides

3.2.6End of Topic Quiz - Period 3

3.2.7Periodic Trends: Blocks

3.2.8Redox Chemistry

3.3Group 1 Alkali Metals

3.3.1Alkali Metals

3.4Halogens

3.4.1Introduction to Halogens

3.4.2Reactions of Halogens

3.4.3Chlorine & Chlorate(I)

3.4.4End of Topic Quiz - Group 7

3.4.5Exam-Style Question - Group 7

3.4.6End of Topic Quiz - Periodicity, Group 2 & 7

3.5Noble gases, group 18

3.5.1Noble Gases

3.6Functional Groups: Classification of Organic

3.6.1Nomenclature

3.6.2Trends in Physical Properties

3.6.3Saturated & Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

3.6.4Nomenclature contd.

3.6.5Types of Formulas

3.6.6Isomerism

3.6.7Formulae

3.6.8Homologous Series

3.6.9Structural Isomers

3.7Functional Group Chemistry

3.7.1Degrees of Substitution

3.7.2Arenes

3.8Alkanes

3.8.1Alkanes

3.8.2Fractional Distillation

3.8.3Cracking

3.8.4Combustion

3.8.5Chlorination

3.8.6End of Topic Quiz - Alkanes

3.9Alcohols

3.9.1Production of Alcohols

3.9.2Oxidation of Alcohols

3.9.3Oxidation of Alcohols - 2

3.9.4Elimination Reactions

3.9.5End of Topic Quiz - Alcohols

3.9.6Exam-Style Question - Alcohols

3.10Halogenoalkanes

3.10.1Substitution Reactions

3.10.2Elimination Reactions

3.10.3Ozone Depletion

3.10.4End of Topic Quiz - Halogenoalkanes

4Reactivity - What Drives Chemical Reaction?

4.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

4.1.1Endothermic & Exothermic Reactions

4.1.2Energy Diagrams

4.1.3Heat Transfer & Thermal Equilibrium

4.1.4IB Multiple Choice - Enthalpy & Energy

4.2Enthalpy of Reaction, Formation, & Hess' Law

4.2.1Enthalpy of Reaction

4.2.2Bond Enthalpies

4.2.3Enthalpy of Formation

4.2.4Hess’ Law

4.2.5Thermodynamics & Kinetic Control

4.2.6End of Topic Quiz - Thermodynamics

4.2.7IB Multiple Choice - Enthalpy

4.2.8Extended Response - Enthalpy Change

4.3Entropy

4.3.1Introduction to Entropy

4.3.2Absolute Entropy & Entropy Change

4.3.3Free Energy

4.3.4Thermodynamically Favorable Reactions

4.3.5IB Multiple Choice - Entropy & Free Energy

4.3.6Extended Response - Free Energy

5Reactivity - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

5.1Kinetics

5.1.1Collision Theory & Rates of Reaction

5.1.2Maxwell-Boltzmann Distribution

5.1.3Increasing Rates

5.1.4End of Topic Quiz - Kinetics

5.2Rates of Reaction

5.2.1Rate Equations

5.2.2Rate Equations 2

5.2.3The Effect of a Catalyst

5.3Stoichometry

5.3.1Stoichiometry

5.4Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.1Introduction to Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.2Reaction Quotient & Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.3Temperature & Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.4IB Multiple Choice -Le Châtelier’s Principle

5.4.5Extended Response - Le Châtelier

5.5Introduction to Equilibrium

5.5.1Equilibrium & Equilibrium Graphs

5.5.2Dynamic Equilibria

5.5.3Reversible Reactions & Directions

5.6Equilibrium Constant

5.6.1Calculating the Equilibrium Constant

5.6.2Magnitude of the Equilibrium Constant

5.6.3Properties of the Equilibrium Constant

5.6.4Calculating Equilibrium Concentrations

5.6.5Representations of Equilibrium

5.6.6IB Multiple Choice - Equilibrium Constants

5.6.7Extended Response - Calculating Kc

5.7Reaction Quotient & Equilibrium Constant

5.7.1Reaction Quotient

5.7.2Equilibrium Constants

5.7.3Partial Pressures

5.7.4Kp

5.7.5IB Multiple Choice - Reaction Quotient & Kp

5.7.6Extended Response - Kp & Bond Enthalpy

6Reactivity - The Mechanisms of Chemical Change

6.1Proton Transfer Reactions

6.1.1Brønsted-Lowry Theory

6.2The pH Scale

6.2.1pH & pOH

6.2.2Ionic Product of Water

6.2.3Using Kw

6.2.4IB Multiple Choice - pH & Kw

6.2.5Extended Response - Kw

6.3Strong & Weak Acids and Bases

6.3.1Strong Acids & Bases

6.3.2Weak Acids & Ka

6.3.3Weak Bases & Kb

6.3.4Weak Acids & Bases Calculation Walkthrough

6.4Acid Deposition

6.4.1Acid Deposition

6.5Types of Organic Reactions

6.5.1Electrophilic Substitution

6.6Oxidation & Reduction

6.6.1Oxidation Number Method

6.6.2Winkler Method

6.6.3Redox Reactions

6.6.4Oxidation States & Equations

6.6.5End of Topic Quiz - Redox

6.6.6Extended Response - Redox Reactions

6.7Electrochemical Cells

6.7.1Introduction to Electrochemical Cells

6.7.2Galvanic Cells

6.7.3Cell Notation

6.7.4Electrolytic Cells

6.7.5Extended Response - Voltaic Cells & Redox

6.8Titration

6.8.1Redox Titrations

6.8.2Titration Calculations

6.8.3Atom Economy

6.9Acid-Base Titrations

6.9.1Titration Calculation Weak Acid & Strong Base

6.9.2Titration Experimental Detail

6.9.3Extended Response - Titration

6.9.4Titration Calculations

6.9.5Titration Curves

6.9.6Titration Calculation Strong Acid & Weak Base

6.9.7IB Multiple Choice - Titrations

6.9.8Polyprotic Acids

6.9.9Titration Calculations Strong Acid & Strong Base

6.9.10Titrations Curves 2

7Measurement, Data Processing & Analysis

7.1Uncertainties & Errors in Measurements & Results

7.1.1Qualitative & Quantitative data

7.2Graphical Techniques

7.2.1Drawing & Interpreting Graphs

7.2.2Linear Interpolation

7.3Spectroscopic Identification of Organic Compounds

7.3.1Understanding NMR

7.3.2Carbon-13 NMR

7.3.3Hydrogen-1 NMR

7.3.4Hydrogen-1 NMR 2

7.3.5End of Topic Quiz - NMR

7.4Infrared Spectroscpy

7.4.1Infrared Spectroscopy

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Weak Acids & Bases Calculation Walkthrough

Electrophilic Substitution